UN chief Ban Ki-moon offers condolences over Kalam's death

Describing former President APJ Abdul Kalam as a "great statesman", UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said that the global outpouring of grief following his death was a testament the the respect and inspiration Kalam enjoyed during and after his Presidency.

Describing former President APJ Abdul Kalam as a "great statesman", UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said that the global outpouring of grief following his death was a testament the the respect and inspiration Kalam enjoyed during and after his Presidency.

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In a special gesture, the UN Chief visited the Permanent mission of India to the UN on Friday to sign the condolence book placed following the death of the 11th President of India.

The book has been open over the last couple of days to Ambassadors of all member state to express their condolences.Ban expressed his deepest regrets on the passing of the former Indian President in his message.

"The outpouring of grief around the world is a testament of the respect and inspiration he has garnered during and after his Presidency. The UN joins the people of India in sending our deepest condolences for this great statesman. May he rest in peace and eternity," Ban said in his message.

Kalam died on July 27 following a cardiac arrest at the age of 83. He was in Shillong to deliver a lecture at the prestigious IIM there and collapsed on stage just a few minutes into his speech.