Press Release No. 05/184

Press Release: IMF Managing Director Extends Condolences on the Death of Vice President John Garang of Sudan

August 4, 2005

Mr. Rodrigo de Rato, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has sent condolences to the government, and to the people of Sudan for the untimely and tragic death of first Vice President John Garang. In a letter sent to the President of Sudan, Omar Hassan al-Bashir, Mr.de Rato said:

"Dr. Garang was an eminent statesman who, together with your leadership and support, set aside more than 20 years of civil war to achieve a comprehensive peace agreement for Sudan earlier this year, At this critical point in Sudan's history, I trust all parties in Sudan will redouble their efforts to continue with the process of national reconciliation and ensure the successful implementation of the peace agreement that Dr. Garang worked so hard to achieve."