Annan pays tribute to memory of veteran diplomat Oleg Troyanovsky

Secretary-General Kofi Annan today expressed his sadness over the death of the former Ambassador of the Soviet Union to the United Nations, Oleg Alexandrovich Troyanovsky, and hailed his work in diplomacy.

"Mr. Troyanovsky was a brilliant diplomat who represented his country with singular expertise and adroitness at an acutely challenging time in the world and the history of the Organization," Mr. Annan said through his spokesman.

"He combined a profound understanding of the indispensability of the UN with exceptional charm, humour, eloquence and flair."

Spokesman Fred Eckhard recalled an incident in 1980 when Maoist demonstrators posing as reporters doused Ambassador Troyanovsky in red paint. “While other diplomats flinched, Troyanovsky looked up calmly and said – without missing a beat – ‘better red than dead,’” Mr. Eckhard said.

The Secretary-General extended his condolences to the family and friends of the veteran Russian diplomat and to the Government of the Russian Federation.