Annan Mourns Death of Late German President Johannes Rau
New York, Jan 30 2006 8:00PM
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan reacted today with sadness to the recent death of Johannes Rau, the former
Federal President of Germany, and paid tribute to his legacy of reconciliation with Israel and Poland.
"Mr. Rau was widely respected as an outstanding statesman who made an invaluable contribution to building strong ties
between Germany and the international community," a spokesman for Mr. Annan said in a statement.
"He will be remembered in particular for his personal contribution to reconciliation between Germany, Israel and Poland,
which had a lasting impact."
The statement memorialized Mr. Rau as "a good friend of the United Nations, and strongly committed to the Organization's
purposes and principles."
The Secretary-General met personally with the former German President on a number of occasions, including in the
presence of both of their wives at Mr. Rau's residence in Berlin.
ENDS