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Annan saddened by death of South African anti-apartheid fighter Sisulu

Annan saddened by death of South African anti-apartheid fighter Sisulu

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today expressed his sadness at the death of anti-apartheid fighter Walter Sisulu, eulogizing him as "one of the heroes of South Africa's anti-apartheid movement" beloved far beyond his country's borders for his "humility, integrity, intellect and vision."

In a statement issued by a spokesman, Mr. Annan recalled that Mr. Sisulu was a former Secretary-General of the African National Congress and a close friend and mentor of the first post-apartheid president, Nelson Mandela.

"Mr. Sisulu was engaged in the struggle for multi-racial democracy for all his adult life,' the statement said. "Imprisoned for more than 25 years by the white minority Government, he was known and loved by people far beyond South Africa's borders for his humility, integrity, intellect and vision."

The Secretary-General expressed his condolences to Mr. Sisulu's wife and life-long partner in the struggle, Albertina, as well as to the Government and people of South Africa.