Died, Russia's permanent representative to the UN Vitaly Churkin

In new York, has died, Russia's permanent representative to the UN Vitaly Churkin. Churkin died one day before his 65th birthday.

The diplomat's heart stopped at the time when he was working on the post, said the representative of law enforcement bodies. He was taken to Presbyterian hospital in new York, where he died. President Vladimir Putin "expressed his condolences to the families also expressed condolences the staff of the Ministry of foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation," the Kremlin said. The members of the General Assembly of the United Nations staged a moment of silence in memory of his colleague.

"We lost one of the most respected and influential members of the UN family", said the President of the General Assembly of the United Nations Peter Thomson. "I can confidently say that his name will live on in the annals of the history of this organization." Thomson said that Churkin will be remembered for "his consummate diplomatic skills and also for his good humor and respect for others." At the end of the minute of silence, Thompson said, "Rest in peace, dear Vitaly."

UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres said: "Ambassador Churkin was clearly an experienced diplomat and a powerful speaker with great wit and a man of many talents and interests."

The members of the UN Security Council said they were "deeply saddened" to learn of the death Churkin. Churkin has spent over 40 years in the Russian diplomatic service and was head of the Russian mission to the United Nations for more than a decade, told the Security Council.

sections: Politics, Accidents, World News