Foreign Minister S. Dimas’ condolence letter regarding the passing of D. Payne

The Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs Stavros Dimas addressed the following letter of condolence to the Speaker of the House of Representatives John Boehner regarding the passing of Donald Payne:

"Dear Mr. Speaker,
I was profoundly saddened to hear of the passing away of Donald Payne, a prominent member of the House of Representatives, who represented New Jersey since 1988 and was, as a member of the Greek Caucus, one of the strongest and more convinced friends of Greece.

The death of Congressman Payne, a stalwart defender of human rights, both in the U.S. and abroad, is a great loss for the American nation, as well as for his friends worldwide. He will always be remembered by the Greek people and the Americans of Greek origin, as a great statesman, who devoted his life serving his country and fighting for justice and peace throughout the world.

On behalf of the Greek government, the Greek people and myself, I want to extend to you and the American people my deepest condolences.

I would also highly appreciate your kind assistance in conveying our deepest condolences to his loved ones."