World Leaders, Officials Honor Late US Diplomat Holbrooke
"On paper we have peace. To make it work is our next and greatest challenge." Richard Holbrooke on the Dayton Peace Accords in 1995
At a memorial for veteran diplomat Richard Holbrooke, U.S. President Barack Obama said Holbrooke "made a difference."
Mr. Obama Friday enumerated many of Holbrooke's achievements, including his role in normalizing relations between the United States and China, bringing peace to the Balkans, and advancing peace and progress in Afghanistan.
Alluding to the recent mass shooting at a political event in Arizona, Mr. Obama said the event was a reminder never to take public service for granted, adding that he was "personally grateful" for the sacrifices Holbrooke made in his commitment to serving the U.S.
Mr. Obama also announced the creation of an award in Holbrooke's honor to recognize the next generations of diplomats.
Mr. Obama was joined at the event in Washington, DC by a number of current and former political leaders, including former president Bill Clinton, current Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
Holbrooke was serving as the administration's special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan when he died last month at the age of 69.
In remarks earlier Friday, Secretary Clinton said Holbrooke was involved in nearly every crucial foreign policy challenge of the last 50 years. She said he left an indelible mark on the State Department, the country and the world.
Mr. Obama Friday enumerated many of Holbrooke's achievements, including his role in normalizing relations between the United States and China, bringing peace to the Balkans, and advancing peace and progress in Afghanistan.
Alluding to the recent mass shooting at a political event in Arizona, Mr. Obama said the event was a reminder never to take public service for granted, adding that he was "personally grateful" for the sacrifices Holbrooke made in his commitment to serving the U.S.
Mr. Obama also announced the creation of an award in Holbrooke's honor to recognize the next generations of diplomats.
Mr. Obama was joined at the event in Washington, DC by a number of current and former political leaders, including former president Bill Clinton, current Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
Holbrooke was serving as the administration's special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan when he died last month at the age of 69.
In remarks earlier Friday, Secretary Clinton said Holbrooke was involved in nearly every crucial foreign policy challenge of the last 50 years. She said he left an indelible mark on the State Department, the country and the world.
Holbrooke began his career as a young foreign service officer in Vietnam.
Among the many foreign dignitaries at the memorial is Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, who traveled to Washington to attend the event.
World Leaders, Officials Honor Late US Diplomat Holbrooke - article came from VOA
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