World leaders express condolence over Bongo’s death

Libreville, 09 June-(ANA)- World leaders expressed condolences over the death of Gabonese President Omar Bongo Ondimba after the central African country made the official announcement on Monday.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday expressed deep sadness at Bongo's death.

In a statement, the secretary-general extended his "sincere condolences to the president's family, as well as to the government and people of Gabon."

 U.S. President Barack Obama on Monday offered condolences to the people of Gabon over the death of President Bongo.

 "On behalf of the United States government, I offer my condolences to his family and to the people of Gabon," said Obama in a statement.

"President Bongo played a key role in developing and shaping the strong bilateral relationship that exists between Gabon and the United States today," Obama said, praising Bongo for contributions to peace and environmental protection.(ANA)

FA/ANA/09 June 2009---