E-100/00
May 9, 2000

 

SECRETARY GENERAL EULOGIZES LATE COLOMBIAN LEADER MARIO GALAN

 

The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), C�sar Gaviria, has expressed condolences over the death of Colombian leader Mario Gal�n, father of the late political figure Luis Carlos Gal�n Sarmiento. "His death is a great loss to his family and friends and to the entire nation as well," stated Mr. Gaviria. "Don Mario was the embodiment of democratic values and regarded across the country as an example of full dedication of one's life to the collective interest."

Mario Gal�n was an academic who applied his knowledge and dedication to foster Colombia's development. Whether as a Senator, chairman of Ecopetrol--Colombia's national oil company--or as a university professor, his fertile ideas coupled with a strict sense of duty and moral grounding guided his children, colleagues, subordinates and disciples.

The OAS Secretary General conveyed his sympathies to Galan's widow Cecilia Sarmiento de Gal�n, their children, and other family members.

 

**********