Annan sends condolences on death of former Bosnian President

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan sent condolences today to the family and nation of the former President of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Alija Izetbegovic, who died on Sunday at 78.

"President Izetbegovic will be remembered for his historic role in preserving the unity of Bosnia and Herzegovina and establishing the Bosnian state. The Secretary-General conveys his personal sympathy and condolences to the family of Mr. Izetbegovic and his fellow countrymen," said a statement issued by a spokesman for Mr. Annan.

Along with Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic and Croatian leader Franjo Tudjman, Mr. Izetbegovic signed the Dayton peace treaty in 1995 ending the Balkans conflict. He headed the Bosnian national presidency, but left politics in 2000 as his health deteriorated.