Dilma and Lula mourn the death of Kofi Annan.
President-elect Dilma Rousseff and former president Lula lamented the death of Ghanaian diplomat, former UN Secretary-General and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kofi Annan, who died this Saturday (18), at the age of 80. “Brazil loses a friend,” wrote Dilma.
Brazil 247 - President-elect Dilma Rousseff lamented the death of Ghanaian diplomat, former UN Secretary-General and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kofi Annan, who died this Saturday (18), at the age of 80. “It is with sadness that I receive the news of the death of Kofi Annan. The world loses a leader committed to world peace and the search for solutions for the future of humanity. Brazil also loses an interlocutor and friend. My condolences to his family, admirers and the people of Ghana and Africa.”
Former President Lula's Twitter profile also released a statement of condolence. "The world has lost @KofiAnnan. I had the pleasure of serving as president during his term and witnessed his dedication to harmony among peoples. My solidarity especially goes out to the African people for the sad loss of an inspiring leader, who will be remembered for his journey towards peace."
Brazil Agency - During his tenure as head of the United Nations (UN), from 1997 to 2006, Kofi Annan recommended expanding the Security Council, a suggestion supported by the Brazilian government, and reforms to the body.
In 2001, he received the Nobel Peace Prize for creating the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, aimed at assisting developing countries.
His tenure at the UN was marked by investigations into sexual harassment and misappropriation of funds involving UN employees.
No details were released regarding the cause of death.