Secretary General's Statement on the Death of President Rugova

The Secretary General has learned with great sadness of the death of 's President Ibrahim Rugova. He shares the grief of the people of Kosovo and extends his sincere condolences to President Rugova's family.

Throughout his life Mr. Rugova demonstrated true leadership and advocated a peaceful solution for Kosovo.

Mr. Rugova passed away at a crucial moment of final preparations for the talks on Kosovo's future status. The Secretary General trusts in the maturity of Kosovo's institutions and believes that the loss of Kosovo's President will not disrupt this process.

The Secretary General calls upon the Kosovo political leaders to maintain their unity and continue extending their full cooperation to the Secretary General's Special Envoy Mr. Ahtisaari.

JAN 2 4 2006

SG OFFICE * Ul3

^•1 CKbjQj-M Carlos Lopes/NY/UNO To Michael Pan/NY/UNO@UNHQ 21/01/2006 10:41 AM cc bcc Subject Re: URGENT: draft statement on death of Rugova

Michael this is approved on behalf of the SG. Please print a clean copy, sign it attaching this email authorization and send to MMB and SG front office. Thanks. C Michael Pan From: Michael Pan Sent: 21/01/2006 10:32 To: Carlos Lopes Subject: Fw: URGENT: draft statement on death of Rugova

Edward had only one change: "great sadness" instead of "sadness." Let me know if you think this is ready to go. —Mike

Forwarded by Michael Pan/NY/UNO on 21/01/2006 10:31 AM Michael Pan/NY/UNO 21/01/2006 10'24 AM To Carlos Lopes/NY/UNO, Edward Mortimer/NY/UNO cc Jessica Faieta/NY/UNO@UNHQ, Mark Malloch-Brown/NY/UNO@UNHQ, David Hunter/NY/UNO@UNHQ Subject re: URGENT: draft statement on death of Rugova

Edward and Carlos,

For your comments and clearance, below is a draft statement on the death of Ibrahim Rugova. I am at x31449 if you want to call them in.

Also attached for your information is the statement released by SRSG Jessen-Petersen's office. And Ahtisaari is being quoted by Reuters saying Wednesay's talks in Vienna are to be rescheduled for early-February.

Regards.

Mike

DRAFT

Secretary General's Statement on the Death of President Rugova

The Secretary General has learned with sadness of the death of Kosovo's President Ibrahim Rugova. He shares the grief of the people of Kosovo and extends his sincere condolences to President Rugova's family.

Throughout his life Mr. Rugova demonstrated true leadership and advocated a peaceful solution for Kosovo. Mr. Rugova passed away at a crucial moment of final preparations for the talks on Kosovo's future status. The Secretary General trusts in the maturity of Kosovo's institutions and believes that the loss of Kosovo's President will not disrupt this process.

The Secretary General calls upon the Kosovo political leaders to maintain their unity and continue extending their full cooperation to the Secretary General's Special Envoy Mr. Ahtisaari. ************ SRSG statement on the passing of President Ibrahim Rugova ,2006

PRISTINA - SRSG S0ren Jessen-Petersen issued the following statement upon learning of the passing of President Ibrahim Rugova:

"This is a moment of profound sorrow for Kosovo and I share your sadness and grief.

I wish first of all to extend my heartfelt condolences, in my own name and on behalf of all of UNMIK, to President Rugova's family -may you find strength and comfort in each other and in your faith to see you through this very painful moment.

I also want to extend my condolences to the people of Kosovo and the PISG. President Rugova's unwavering belief in his vision for Kosovo, which he pursued so determinedly throughout his life, earned him the respect of not only the people of Kosovo but also the wider international community.

I have had the pleasure and privilege of meeting the President very frequently. I will always remember him as a wise, thoughtful, committed and warm person.

It is particularly tragic that President Rugova should leave us at this very decisive moment for the future of Kosovo.

The best tribute we can pay to President Rugova and his legacy is to stay united during the coming months.

Indeed, this is the moment for all the people and political leaders of Kosovo to pull together and show the maturity and wisdom that would serve Kosovo well now and in the future.

President Rugova was a unifying force, a talented and highly-committed leader who continued to work tirelessly for Kosovo until his last days.

He leaves behind a legacy of determination and perseverance, and dialogue.

He will always have a unique place in the history of Kosovo."