U.N. chief sends condolences over Roh's death

SEOUL, May 24 (Yonhap) -- U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon sent a message of
condolence to the family of South Korea's late former President Roh Moo-hyun on
Sunday, saying he was deeply saddened by the shocking death of his former boss.

Roh, who served as the country's president from 2003 to 2008, jumped off a cliff
while hiking behind his home in Bongha Village, about 450 km south of Seoul,
early Saturday, sending shockwaves through the country.
"I am shocked and in deep grief over the news of Roh's unexpected death," Ban
said in the message. "I send my condolences to the South Korean government and
its people who lost their former leader."
Ban served as South Korea's foreign minister from 2004-2006 during Roh's presidency.
Ban sent the message from Sri Lanka, where he was meeting with local officials to
discuss the ethnic conflict in the South Asian nation, Seoul's Foreign Ministry
said.
The U.N. chief also praised Roh for his efforts in paving the way for democracy
in South Korea and pushing for various social reforms in his home country.
Separately, Ban issued a statement of condolence over Roh's death on the U.N.'s
Web site.
odissy@yna.co.kr
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