Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the death of Edward Said

The Secretary-General heard with great sadness of the death of Edward Said, the distinguished Palestinian-American writer and scholar who did so much to explain the Islamic world to the West, and vice versa. While not sharing all of Professor Said's opinions, the Secretary-General always enjoyed his company, savoured his wit, and admired the passion with which he pursued his vision of peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Both the Middle East and the United States will be the poorer without his distinctive voice.