19 AUG, 2018 11:30 HRS UTC | NOBEL PEACE PRIZE WINNER

UNITED NATIONS —  Former UN Secretary-General  and Nobel Peace Laureate, KOFI ANNAN passed away peacefully at the age of 80 on Saturday 18th August after a short illness. His wife and their children were by his side during his last day.

Kofi Annan spent virtually his entire career as an administrator in the United Nations. His aristocratic style, cool-tempered elegance and political savvy helped guide his ascent to become its seventh secretary-general, and the first hired from within. His two terms were from Jan. 1, 1997, to Dec. 31, 2006, capped nearly midway when he and the U.N. were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001.

Kofi Annan was a global statesman and a deeply committed internationalist who fought throughout his life for a fairer and more peaceful world. During his distinguished career and leadership of the United Nations he was an ardent champion of peace, sustainable development, human rights and the rule of law. He expressed alarm at the Trump administration’s decisions to back out of the Iran nuclear deal and move the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.

At U.N. headquarters in New York, the U.N. flag flew at half-staff and a bouquet of flowers was placed under Kofi Annan’s portrait. Reflecting the widespread regard that won him a groundbreaking uncontested election to a second term, leaders from Russia, India, Israel, France and elsewhere expressed condolences for a man Bill Gates called “one of the great peacemakers of our time.”

Kofi Annan selflessly placed others first, radiating genuine kindness, warmth and brilliance in all he did. He will be greatly missed by so many around the world, as well as his staff at the Foundation and his many former colleagues in the United Nations system. He will remain in our hearts forever.

Newsroom | theworldmail.co.uk

News Source by AP | Photo by kofiannanfoundation.org