OSCE Chairperson expresses sorrow on death of South Korea's Kim Dae-jung

ATHENS, 18 August 2009 - The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, expressed sorrow today over the death of former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung, who was instrumental in his country's transition to democracy and won a Nobel Peace Prize for his "Sunshine Policy" of rapprochement with North Korea.

"I send my heartfelt condolences to the family of the former president and to the people of South Korea, who have worked for and witnessed a remarkable transition in past two decades. Much of the inspiration and leadership for this came from Kim Dae-jung, a man of personal courage and integrity," said Bakoyannis. Kim died in Seoul today. He was 85.

"South Korea has been an Asian Partner of the OSCE since 1994, a clear sign that we share the same values and the same view that dialogue about all aspects of security is crucial for international stability, including in Northeast Asia. Kim Dae-jung personified this approach."