Secretary-General mourns passing of former Czech leader Vaclav Havel

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has voiced his deep sadness at the passing of Vaclav Havel, the former president of the Czech Republic, who died on Sunday.

“Vaclav Havel was the moral voice of his country and his era,” said a statement issued last night by Mr. Ban’s spokesperson.

“He lived in truth – his credo – as few of his place and times dared to do. His humanity, humility and decency were an example for us all.

“In the face of great challenges today that shall test a newer generation, let his profile in courage be our inspiration,” the statement added.

Mr. Havel, 75, was a writer and dissident, who became post-communist Czechoslovakia’s first president. After the country split in January 1993, he became president of the Czech Republic.

The Secretary-General expressed his sympathy to Mr. Havel’s family and the people of the Czech Republic.