SG/SM/8057
4 December 2001

SECRETARY-GENERAL "JOINS MILLIONS OF OTHER FANS
IN GIVING THANKS" FOR GEORGE HARRISON’S LIFE

NEW YORK, 3 December (UN Headquarters) -- The following statement was issued on Saturday, 1 December by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General was deeply saddened by the death of George Harrison. Not only did this sensitive and spiritual musician and songwriter bring profound joy to music-lovers across the world; his compassion, conscience and sense of our common humanity helped open the hearts and minds of an entire generation. George Harrison was one of the first to understand and use the power of rock music, and of advocacy by celebrities, to motivate people to embrace causes bigger than themselves. His work to raise awareness and funds for the people of Bangladesh will be remembered, not only for the millions of lives it helped heal, but also because it paved the way for countless later initiatives by other musicians. The Secretary-General extends his deepest condolences to the family and friends of George Harrison, and joins millions of other fans in giving thanks for his life.

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