UN chief mourns death of UNMIT deputy head

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Monday mourned the death of Takahisa Kawakami, deputy special representative of the UN Intergrated Mission in Timor- Leste (UNMIT), who passed away overnight of natural causes in his residence in the country.

In a statement issued via his spokesperson, Ban said he announced the death of Kawakami "with deep sorrow."

"He demonstrated his steadfast commitment to the people of Timor-Leste by working in close partnership with national counterparts and UN partners to support the strengthening of the national police service and rule of law institutions and to foster sustainable peace and stability in this young nation, "Ban said.

Calling the 60-year-old Japanese national a "dear and respected colleague," Ban said Kawakami served with "extraordinary professionalism and devotion to the ideals of the organization both at UN Headquarters and in the field."

"His dedication and integrity will serve as an example for international public service," Ban said.

Ban also conveyed his heartfelt condolences to Kawakami's family.

Kawakami had served in the role of deputy special representative since September 2008. He had extensive experience with Timor-Leste, having played a key role in the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) in setting up the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), set up to assist the region during the transition to independence in 1999.

As a diplomat, Kawakami was posted to the Permanent Mission of Japan to the UN in New York from 1987 to 1991 and again from 2003 to 2007. He also served the UN in Afghanistan and Cambodia.

Source: Xinhua