Annan pays tribute to late UK foreign secretary Robin Cook

Reacting with sadness to the death of former British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today looked back on their long cooperation together and paid tribute to the late diplomat's skills.

"Throughout a rich and varied life, Mr. Cook displayed exceptional intellect, eloquence, vision and passion in the domestic and international arenas alike," a spokesman for Mr. Annan said in a statement released in New York.

"During several years of close collaboration, the Secretary-General looked to Mr. Cook as a partner on a wide range of issues," the spokesman said, conveying condolences to Mr. Cook's wife and family, "as well as to his colleagues and friends around the world."