Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the space shuttle Columbia

The Secretary-General was deeply saddened by the tragedy that struck the space shuttle Columbia and the seven astronauts on board. His thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those who perished on this mission. He extends his condolences to the Government and people of the United States, as well as to the Governments and peoples of India and Israel, which also lost crew members in the tragedy. Because the exploration of space knows no national boundaries, the loss of the Columbia is a loss to all humankind.