'Deeply saddened' by Daniel Pearl's death, Annan salutes journalists' courage

Expressing deep sadness by reports of the death of journalist Daniel Pearl of The Wall Street Journal, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today said that this crime highlighted yet again the enormous dangers encountered by journalists, particularly in areas of conflict and violence.

'The Secretary-General salutes the courage of Mr. Pearl and his colleagues around the world, and reiterates his long-standing commitment to the right of journalists to carry out their vital work without fearing for their security, freedom or life,' said a statement released in New York this evening by Mr. Annan's spokesman. 'Where that right is threatened, all of us are placed at risk.'

Through the statement, the Secretary-General also extended personal condolences to Mr. Pearl's wife, family, colleagues and all others touched by this loss.