Ban saddened by death of Uzbekistan's President Islam Karimov

Remembering Uzbek President Islam Karimov's efforts to strengthen regional, global peace and security, UN chief Ban Ki-moon today expressed grief over his death and said the top world body will continue to work closely with the government and the people of Uzbekistan.
The UN Secretary-General is "saddened" to learn of the death of Karimov and extends his sincere condolences to the bereaved family of the late President and to the government and people of Uzbekistan, Ban's spokesperson said in a statement today.
"The Secretary-General pays tribute to the late President's efforts to develop strong ties between Uzbekistan and the United Nations," the spokesperson added, "as well as strengthen regional and global peace and security, through the promotion and entry into force in 2009 of the treaty to establish the Central Asian Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone."

The 78-year-old Uzbek leader died six days after he was taken to hospital with a suspected brain haemorrhage.
He had been in power for 27 years.
Ban's spokesperson said the Secretary-General reiterates the UN's commitment to continue working closely with the Government and the people of Uzbekistan.