Secretary-General Deeply Saddened by Death of Václav Havel,

 

Praises Him as ‘Moral Voice of His Country and His Era’

 

The following statement was issued on 18 December by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General was deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of Václav Havel.

Václav Havel was the moral voice of his country and his era.  He lived in truth — his credo — as few of his place and times dared to do.  His humanity, humility and decency were an example for us all.  In the face of great challenges today that shall test a newer generation, let his profile in courage be our inspiration.

The Secretary-General expresses his sympathy to his family and the people of Czech Republic.

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For information media • not an official record