Statement by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, on the Death of US Ambassador Richard Holbrooke

Susan E. Rice
U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations 
U.S. Mission to the United Nations 

New York, NY

December 13, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, a giant figure in American diplomacy. My thoughts and prayers are with his dear wife Kati, his family, and his many friends, colleagues, and partners in the United States and around the world.

The arc of Richard's extraordinary career took him from Vietnam as a young foreign service officer to his exceptional accomplishment in helping forge the Dayton Peace Accords, which ended that tragic war. During his tenure as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, he put into practice his belief in the power of moral urgency, elevating HIV/AIDS to the global security agenda. He also forged a landmark agreement with the US Congress and the United Nations to eliminate US arrears to the UN.

In recent years, Richard has worked tirelessly with the UN, NATO, and other regional and international partners to bring peace, security and stability to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Richard had a well-earned reputation for being tough, determined, indefatigable and firm in his convictions. His belief that American diplomacy could help make the world a more just and decent place never wavered.

Our nation has lost one of its most experienced and gifted diplomats. But this loss is not ours alone; we share our sadness with people in various parts of the world who live in greater peace, security and dignity because of his efforts.

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