WORLD> Africa
UN chief saddened by death of Zambian president
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-08-20 11:38

UNITED NATIONS -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voiced deep sadness Tuesday at the death of Zambian President Levy Patrick Mwanawasa.

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"The Secretary-General was deeply saddened to learn of the death of His Excellency Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, President of Zambia and Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC)," Ban said in a statement issued by his spokesperson.

"Mr. Mwanawasa was at the forefront of Zambian politics at a time of exceptional challenge and change in his country," he said, offering condolences to the late president's family, and the people and government of Zambia.

Ban also noted Mwanawasa's "crucial role in the struggle to end apartheid in South Africa," and "his firm stance as SADC chairman on the post-election crisis in Zimbabwe."

Mwanawasa, who was a lawyer by profession, became Zambian president in 2001 for his first term. He bounced back in 2006 for his second and last term.

Mwanawasa suffered a stroke on June 29. He died early Tuesday at the age of 59 in a hospital in Paris, France.