Post date: Dec 05, 2013 11:55:7 PM
U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon says he is "profoundly saddened by the passing of Nelson Mandela". Meanwhile the Security Council pauses its meeting for a moment of silence.
UNITED NATIONS (DECEMBER 5, 2013) (UNTV) - The United Nations paused to honor former South African President Nelson Mandela who died peacefully at his Johannesburg home on Thursday (December 5) after a prolonged lung infection, President Jacob Zuma said.
The council's meeting on humanitarian law was interrupted when Argentina's Ambassador Maria Cristina Perceval was handed a note while she was speaking.Perceval quickly suspended her speech to stand with the entire Security Council for a minute of silence.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon offered his condolences.
"I'm profoundly saddened by the passing of Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela was a giant for justice and a down to Earth human inspiration. Many around the world were greatly influenced by his selfless struggle for human dignity, equality and freedom. He touched our lives in deeply personal ways. At the same time, no one did more in our time to advance the values and aspirations of the United Nations."
Ban added, "I was privileged to meet Nelson Mandela in February 2009 when I thanked him for his life's work, he insisted the credit belonged to others. I will never forget his selflessness and deep sense of shared purpose. On behalf of the United Nations, I extend my deepest condolences toNelson Mandela's family, the people of South Africa and indeed our global family. Let us continue each day to be inspired by Nelson Mandela's lifelong example to keep working for a better and more just world."
Mandela, South Africa's first black president and anti-apartheid icon, emerged from 27 years in apartheid prisons to help guide South Africa through bloodshed and turmoil to democracy.
Mandela would receive a full state funeral, Zuma said, ordering flags to be flown at half staff.