Annan mourns death of British statesman Lord Roy Jenkins

Mourning the death of Lord Roy Jenkins, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today recalled the vision and integrity that epitomized the long and distinguished career of the British politician who died Sunday in Oxfordshire, England, at the age of 82.

A statement issued by a UN spokesperson said Mr. Annan regretted the loss of "this great statesman," intellectual and writer, and praised his "lifelong commitment to the European cause." A senior figure in the British Labour Party and former President of the European Commission, Lord Jenkins' political career spanned more than 50 years.

The Secretary-General also extended his condolences to Lord Jenkins' family, friends and many colleagues in the United Kingdom and around the world.