SECRETARY-GENERAL MOURNS DEATH OF ZAMBIAN PRESIDENT, LEVY PATRICK MWANAWASA

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

The Secretary-General was deeply saddened to learn of the death of His Excellency Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, President of Zambia and Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).  He conveys his profound condolences to President Mwanawasa’s family, and to the people and Government of Zambia, at this difficult time.  

As Vice-President and later President, Mr. Mwanawasa was at the forefront of Zambian politics at a time of exceptional challenge and change in his country and in the southern African region as a whole.  His periods in office ranged from Zambia’s crucial role in the struggle to end apartheid in South Africa, to his firm stance, as SADC Chairman, on the post-election crisis in Zimbabwe.  In the latter context, the Secretary-General greatly valued his frequent interaction with him over the past few months.  The Secretary-General wishes the people of Zambia and the region courage and fortitude in the time ahead.

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