Note to Mr. Riza LETTER OF CONDOLENCE Please find attached, for the signature of the Secretary-General, a letter of condolence to the Governor-General of Tuvalu on the death of the Prime Minister, Mr. lonatana. In view of the fact that Tuvalu has yet to appoint its Ambassador to the United Nations, I would suggest that the letter be transmitted by facsimile directly to the Governor-General in Funafuti at the following number: 688-208-20. Danilo Turk 15 December 2000 cc: Mr. Prendergast Mr. Renninger THE SECRETARY-GENERAL 15 December 2000 Excellency, It is with profound sorrow that I have learned of the death of Mr. lonatana lonatana, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Tuvalu. Mr. lonatana had a long and distinguished career serving his country. I was privileged to meet with Mr. lonatana when he was in New York for Tuvalu's admission to the United Nations in September 2000 and I was impressed by his statesmanship and wholehearted commitment to the universal principles and goals of the Organisation. Mr. lonatana will be remembered for his great contribution to safeguarding his country's interests and promoting the well-being of his people. Please convey my sincere condolences to his family, and to all the people of Tuvalu in their hour of bereavement. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. JCofi-A. Annan His Excellency The Rt. Hon. Dr. Tomasi Puapua, PC, MBE Governor-General of Tuvalu Vaiaku, Funafuti Tuvalu - Country information - Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Page 1 of 3 W- COUNTRY, ECONOMY AND REGIONAL INFORMATION Tuvalu Australian Department of This page last modified: Wednesday, 18-Oct-2000 11:54:22 EOT ForeignAlTairs Country Brief and Trade October 2000 Government Political Overview GLOBAL IS5UE5 Economic Overview MINISTERS Foreign Relations Australia-Tuvalu Relations MEDIA RELEASES Visitor Information Government THE DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS Head of State and Head of Government HM Queen Elizabeth II Governor General 6oQ~~tiOo~ HE RtHon DrTomasi Puapua PC MBE Ron lonatana lonatana Head of Government CVO Prime Minister Cabinet Ministers Minister for Foreign Affairs, Labour & Immigatration lonatana lonatana Deputy Prime Minister/Minister for Finance & Economic Planning/Minister for Tourism, Hon Langitupu Tuilima Trade and Commerce Minister for Health, Women & Community Affairs/ Teagai Esekia Eduation & Culture Minister for Works, Energy & Communications Samuelu Teo Minister for Natural Resources & Environment/Internal Affairs, Faimalaga Luka Rural Affairs and Urban Development Political Overview Tuvalu is a constitutional monarchy, a 12-member unicameral parliament elected every 4 years. Cabinet consists of the Prime Minister, elected by a majority of the members of parliament, and up to four ministers. There are no organised political parties; MPs have very close links with their island constituencies and effort is directed towards balancing island representation in Cabinet. Change of Government in April Following the defeat of former Prime Minister Bikenibeu Paeniu in a motion of no confidence on 13 April 1999, a new Prime Minister, lonatana lonatana, and cabinet.