The Secretary-General was saddened to learn of the death of Ambassador Jaime de Pinies, the veteran Spanish diplomat and former President of the United Nations General Assembly. In addition to serving a distinguished term as President of the 40th General Assembly, Mr. de Pinies represented his country at 28 GA sessions and served as Spain's Permanent Representative to the United Nations for a total of 16 years. Throughout his career, he displayed exceptional devotion to the work and principles of the United Nations. The Secretary-General conveys his condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Mr. De Pinies.