Annan 'saddened' by death of Monaco's Prince Rainier

UNITED NATIONS - UN Secretary General Kofi Annan expressed his condolences Wednesday over the death of Monaco's Prince Rainier.
"The secretary general was saddened to learn of the death of Prince Rainier III of Monaco, one of the world's longest-serving monarchs and heads of state," Annan's spokesman said in a statement.
"He expresses his deepest condolences to Prince Albert, Princess Caroline, Princess Stephanie and their families, as well as to all the people of Monaco," the statement added.
"Throughout his 55-year reign, and all the changes the country underwent during that time, Prince Rainier remained dearly loved by his people, and deeply respected by his peers as well as the world community.
"The secretary general wishes Prince Albert every courage and fortitude as he succeeds his father at the helm of the principality," the UN statement said.
Rainier died Wednesday at the age of 81, after a long battle with heart, lung and kidney problems.
The prince -- who ruled the Mediterranean state since 1949 and was the world's second-longest-reigning monarch, after the king of Thailand -- was hospitalized on March 7 and was taken into intensive care two weeks ago.

04/06/2005 12:34 GMT