Annan mourns passing of Austrian President Thomas Klestil

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today paid tribute to the memory of Thomas Klestil, the Austrian President who died on Tuesday just days before completing his term.

A UN spokesman in New York issued a statement remembering Mr. Klestil as "an outstanding statesman and diplomat' who represented Austria at the United Nations from 1978 to 1982. Mr. Klestil was elected President 10 years later.

Mr. Annan hailed Mr. Klestil for his "tireless" efforts to strengthen Austria's relations with other European countries and the international community.

"During his 12 years of dedicated service as President of his country, Mr. Klestil earned the respect of his people and of the many world leaders he met in Austria or abroad," the spokesman said.

The statement also conveyed Mr. Annan's condolences to President Klestil's family and to the Government and people of Austria.

The Austrian President was 71 when he suffered a heart attack two days shy of completing his second six-year term.