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UN chief voices sadness at passing of Saudi Crown Prince

UN chief voices sadness at passing of Saudi Crown Prince

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (file photo)
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today voiced his sadness at the passing of Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, and paid tribute to the significant role he played in Saudi Arabia for many years.

The Crown Prince, who was in his eighties, was the half-brother of Saudi leader King Abdullah and also his country's Minister of Defence and Aviation. He reportedly died this morning at a New York hospital following a long illness.

Mr. Ban, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, said Crown Prince Sultan “played a significant role in his country for many years and was respected around the world for his wisdom and statesmanship.”

The Secretary-General conveyed his deepest condolences to the royal family, as well as to the Government and people of Saudi Arabia.