It is with great sadness that I learnt about the death of former UN Secretary-General Javier Pérez de Cuéllar.

An eminent Peruvian diplomat and lawyer, Mr Pérez de Cuéllar had a profound impact on the United Nations and the world, when he led the UN through the challenging times of the Cold War and the fall of the Berlin Wall.

At a time when there is a renewed focus on the United Nation's role in upholding peace and security, he will also be remembered for his crucial role in ending the Iran-Iraq War, as well as in securing peace accords in Cambodia and El Salvador. Throughout his life he was a formidable advocate for peace, justice, human rights and human dignity.

I convey my most sincere condolences to his family, to the Peruvian people, his colleagues at the UN and all those close to him.