Secretary-General Saddened to Learn about Death of Margaret Thatcher,

United Kingdom’s ‘Pioneering’ Former Prime Minister

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

The Secretary-General is saddened to learn of the passing of Baroness Margaret Thatcher, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The Secretary-General recognizes Baroness Thatcher’s pioneering stature as the first female Prime Minister of her country.  Baroness Thatcher will be remembered as a towering figure and as a strong and committed leader in British political life, as well as on the international stage.

The Secretary-General also pays tribute to her contribution to addressing climate change, having been one of the first world leaders to issue a warning about its effects by calling for action at the United Nations General Assembly already in 1989.

The Secretary-General offers his sincere condolences and sympathy to the family of Baroness Thatcher, the Government and the people of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

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For information media • not an official record