The Secretary-General was saddened to learn of the death of Oleg Alexandrovich Troyanovsky, the veteran Russian diplomat and former Permanent Representative of the USSR to the United Nations. Mr. Troyanovsky was a brilliant diplomat who represented his country with singular expertise and adroitness at an acutely challenging time in the world and the history of the Organization. He combined a profound understanding of the indispensability of the United Nations with exceptional charm, humour, eloquence and flair. The Secretary-General sends his condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Troyanovsky, as well as the Government of the Russian Federation.