UN Secretary-General antónio Guterres expressed condolences to the family of Russia’s permanent representative at the organization Vitaly Churkin, who departed this life 20 Feb. As reported RIA Novosti, the Secretary General noted the professionalism and Churkin called it “an outstanding diplomat”.
On the death of the Russian Ambassador Guterres learned after returning to the U.S. from Germany, where he participated in Ministerial meetings in Bonn and the conference on security in Munich. “I have just returned to new York and was shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden death of Russia’s permanent representative Vitaly Ivanovich Churkin, the distinguished diplomat,” said the UN Secretary General.
He added that he had worked with Churkin long, but during that time managed to appreciate him as a colleague.
“Despite the fact that we just served together, I greatly appreciated the opportunity to work with him and I will miss his understanding of the situation, craftsmanship and friendship,” added Guterres. He expressed condolences to the family and relatives Churkin, as well as the government and the citizens.
In addition, the UN Secretary-General stressed that Churkin held the position of Ambassador during the most important and the most difficult period in recent world history. Describing Churkin as a person, Guterres said many of his talents and interests, called a bright and witty speaker.
Churkin died in new York on the eve of his 65th birthday. According to preliminary data, the cause of death was a heart attack.
Photo: He Canling / Xinhua / Globallookpress