WASHINGTON, June 5 (Xinhuanet)-- World leaders on Saturday mourned the death of former US president Ronald Reagan who passed away at the age of 93 at his home in California after a decade-old struggle with Alzheimer's disease.

   US President George W. Bush, who is on a trip to Europe, issued a statement at US ambassador's residence in Paris, describing Reagan's death as "a sad hour in the life of America."

   He said Reagan, who served as US president from 1981 to 1989, "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.

   The Elysee Palace in Paris issued a statement on behalf of President Jacques Chirac over Reagan's death.

   It said Chirac "pays homage to the memory of a great statesman who will leave a deep mark in history because of the strength of his convictions and his commitment to democracy."

   The statement said Chirac was "saddened and moved" by Reagan's passing and voiced his "sympathy towards the American people for their loss."

   Speaking to reporters in Kennebunkport, Maine, former US president George Bush said he and his wife Barbara mourn the loss of "a great leader" and "a great friend."

   "This is a very sad day for our country though Ronald Reagan had been ill for a long time," he said.

   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