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The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan, today expressed his condolences on learning of the passing of Boutros Boutros-Ghali, former Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Minister Flanagan said:

“I was saddened to learn today of the passing of Boutros Boutros-Ghali and wish to express my condolences to his family and friends.

"Boutros Boutros-Ghali, the first Arab to be appointed as Secretary-General of the United Nations, held the position from 1992 to 1996. Under his leadership, the UN faced unprecedented crises including in Somalia, Rwanda, the Middle East and the former Yugoslavia. He took on these significant challenges tirelessly, while also seeking to introduce reforms at the UN.

"Throughout his career, Mr Boutros-Ghali was a powerful advocate for democracy and human rights, values which must remain at the forefront of the United Nations’ response to today’s crises.

"My thoughts are with his family and friends today as they mourn their loss”.