Statement by the Prime Minister on the death of Javier Pérez de Cuéllar
OTTAWA, March 5, 2020 /CNW/ - The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the death of Javier Pérez de Cuéllar, former Secretary-General of the United Nations:
"Today, we join the world to mourn the passing of a great architect of peace, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Javier Pérez de Cuéllar.
"Born in Peru, Mr. Pérez de Cuéllar was part of his country's delegation to the first United Nations General Assembly in 1946. Following a distinguished diplomatic career, he returned to serve the United Nations in various roles, including two terms as Secretary-General?the first ever from Latin America. He later served as Prime Minister of Peru.
"As Secretary-General, Mr. Pérez de Cuéllar dedicated himself to strengthening the United Nations and international cooperation. Through his mandates, he promoted and defended universal human rights, stressing what he called the indissoluble link between peace and development and social justice.
"Mr. Pérez de Cuéllar's work negotiating the independence of Namibia and peace agreements around the world showcased the United Nations' crucial role in building a better, more peaceful world.
"On behalf of all Canadians, Sophie and I offer our deepest condolences to Mr. Pérez de Cuéllar's family, as well as his many friends and colleagues."
This document is also available at https://pm.gc.ca
SOURCE Prime Minister's Office
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