LUSAKA, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- The United States government has expressed condolences on the death of Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa.

    In a statement obtained by Xinhua here Tuesday shortly after the announcement of the death of the Zambian president, Public Affairs Officer Christopher Wurst at the US embassy said it was with great regret and respect that the Bush administration joins Zambians in mourning.

    "On behalf of the United States government and the American people, we convey our deepest condolences to First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa and the Mwanawasa family," Wurst said.

    "At this time of sorrow our thoughts are with the people of Zambia and the entire SADC (Southern African Development Community) region, whom the president served with conviction and commitment," he said.

    He said President Mwanawasa would be remembered and admired for his contribution to economic development, good governance, regional peace and respect for the rule of law.

    "His legacy provides an example to leaders, both locally and abroad, who follow his steps," he said.

    The Zambian leader, who was a lawyer by profession, became president in 2001 for his first term. He bounced back in 2006 for his second and last term.

    Mwanawasa died Tuesday morning in the Percy Military Hospital in Paris in France after being hospitalized there for more than a month. Mwanawasa, who would turn 60 in several months, suffered a stroke on June 29 in Sharm-el-Sheik, Egypt, where he was to attend the African Union summit.

    He was admitted into Sharm-el-Sheik International Hospital and transferred on July 1 to the Percy Military Hospital in Paris.

    The president's condition suddenly worsened Sunday night, Banda said here Monday.

    According to the Zambian Constitution, a presidential election is to be called within 90 days if the president dies in office.