Ban voices sadness at death of former Cyprus president Glafcos Clerides

Glafcos Clerides (center) with Rauf Denktash and Tassos Papadopoulos (right) in Nicosia, Cyprus (February 2003).
The former leader died in a hospital in Nicosia on Friday, according to media reports. He was 94.
“Mr. Clerides was a highly respected leader of his country and of the Greek Cypriot community,” said a statement issued by Mr. Ban's spokesperson last night.
“He was known for his strong support for the reunification of Cyprus and for many years played a central role in the UN-facilitated talks aimed at reaching a comprehensive settlement.”
The Secretary-General expressed his condolences to the family of the late Mr. Clerides.