Washington, DC - Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo: "I am saddened to hear of the passing of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and express my condolences to the Annan family and to the people of his home country of Ghana.

"Mr. Annan spent his life advocating for peace and human dignity during his long career at the United Nations.

"Even after leaving his post as Secretary-General he embodied the mission of the United Nations, by sowing the seeds of peace as Chair of The Elders, an independent group of global leaders committed to advancing the cause of peace and promoting human rights around the world.

"I join the international community in remembering his remarkable service to the world."