Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the
High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations
passing of Ambassador Vitaly Churkin,
the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations
New York, 20 February, 2017
The High Representative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, notes with sadness the passing of H.E. Ambassador Vitaly Churkin, the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations, who died on February 20th. Amb. Churkin was deeply respected by all who knew and worked with him. He represented his country with great skill and passion.
The High Representative salutes Amb. Churkin for his contribution to the work of the United Nations in general and his support for UNAOC in particular. On a personal note, he recalls with gratitude the great collaboration he enjoyed with Amb. Churkin during his tenure as President of the 66th Session of the General Assembly.
The High Representative extends his deepest sympathies to the family of Amb. Churkin, as well as his colleagues at the Foreign Ministry and the Government of the Russian Federation.
Photo credit: UN Photo by Manuel Elias (31 December 2016)