World leaders react to passing of Mandela

WASHINGTON, NEW YORK, LONDON Former South African president and anti-Apartheid leader Nelson Mandela died on Thursday, aged 95. Reacting to the news, U.S. President Barack Obama said he was "only one of the countless millions of people inspired by Mandela." World leaders react to passing of Mandela “I am one of the countless millions who drew inspirations from Nelson Mandela’s life," said Obama, adding that the former South African president sacrificed his own freedom for the freedom of others and set ideals that showed that people and states can change for the better. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also paid tribute to Mandela, calling him "a giant of justice" who inspired movements for freedom around the world. "Many people around the world were inspired by his selfless struggle for human dignity, equality and justice. He touched our lives in a deeply personal way," Ban told reporters. British Prime Minister David Cameron said that with Mandela's passing "a great light had gone out," and added that flags would be lowered at half-mast at the seat of the British government. "Nelson Mandela was a towering figure in our time; a legend in life and now in death - a true global hero," Cameron's statement said. French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said that Mandela was "a charismatic giant." "With Nelson Mandela, the father of South Africa died, the driving force of freedom and reconciliation," said his statement. Former U.S. President George W. Bush said that Mandela was one of the greatest fighters for freedom and equality of our time. "In his fight he was dignified and gracious, our world is better because of him. We will miss this good man, but his work will live forever," Bush said. (Tanjug) Tanjug

World leaders react to passing of Mandela

“I am one of the countless millions who drew inspirations from Nelson Mandela’s life," said Obama, adding that the former South African president sacrificed his own freedom for the freedom of others and set ideals that showed that people and states can change for the better.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also paid tribute to Mandela, calling him "a giant of justice" who inspired movements for freedom around the world.

"Many people around the world were inspired by his selfless struggle for human dignity, equality and justice. He touched our lives in a deeply personal way," Ban told reporters.

British Prime Minister David Cameron said that with Mandela's passing "a great light had gone out," and added that flags would be lowered at half-mast at the seat of the British government.

"Nelson Mandela was a towering figure in our time; a legend in life and now in death - a true global hero," Cameron's statement said.

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said that Mandela was "a charismatic giant."

"With Nelson Mandela, the father of South Africa died, the driving force of freedom and reconciliation," said his statement.

Former U.S. President George W. Bush said that Mandela was one of the greatest fighters for freedom and equality of our time.

"In his fight he was dignified and gracious, our world is better because of him. We will miss this good man, but his work will live forever," Bush said.