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| Bush, others mourn Reagan's death |
| | www.chinaview.cn 2004-06-06 07:37:48 |
WASHINGTON, June 5 (Xinhuanet)-- US President George W. Bush on Saturday mourned the death of former US president Ronald Reagan, saying that Reagan's death is "a sad hour in the life of America."
Bush, who is on a trip to Europe, made the remarks in a statement delivered at US ambassador's residence in Paris.
He said Reagan, who died at the age of 93 Saturday afternoon after suffering from Alzheimer's disease for a decade, "leaves behind a nation he restored and a world he helped save."
Bush said he had called Reagan's wife, Nancy, to convey his sympathy and condolences.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair also expressed condolences over Reagan's decease. "The prime minister heard with sadness the news of the death of President Reagan," a statement issued by his office in London said Saturday.
"President Reagan will be remembered as a good friend of Britain," it said.
"At home, his vision and leadership restored national self-confidence and brought some significant changes to US politics, while abroad the negotiations of arms control agreements in his second term and his statesmanlike pursuit of more stable relations with the Soviet Union helped bring about the end of the Cold War," the statement added.
Former US president Gerald Ford said that he and his wife "are deeply saddened by the passing" of Reagan.
"Ronald Reagan was an excellent leader of our nation during challenging times at home and abroad. We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to Nancy and his family," Ford said.
Former US president Bill Clinton also responded to Reagan's death on Saturday.
"Hillary and I will always remember President Ronald Reagan for the way he personified the indomitable optimism of the American people, and for keeping America at the forefront of the fight for freedom for people everywhere," Clinton said, referring to Hillary,his wife, who now serves as a senator. Enditem |
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