NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer extended here on Saturday his condolences at the death of President Ibrahim Rugova of Kosovo.

"On behalf of the NATO Alliance, I wish to express my profound condolences at the death of President Ibrahim Rugova of Kosovo after his long illness," said a written statement issued by the chief of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

It was reported that Rugova died at midday Saturday in his residence. The 61-year-old president had been suffering from lung cancer.

"President Rugova will be remembered as a man committed to the idea of a fully democratic, peaceful and multi-ethnic Kosovo," said the NATO chief.

Scheffer praised Rugova of playing a "key role" in helping Kosovo down the long and often painful road towards reconciliation, lasting peace and stability.

"I am confident that his example will continue to guide the people of Kosovo at this important time, and into the future," he added.

Source: Xinhua