Brussels, 19/12/2011 (Agence Europe) - Condolences have been rushing in since the news of the death on Sunday 17 December 2011 from respiratory failure of former Czech President, Vaclav Havel, an opponent of the Communist regime who took control of the opposition Civic Forum movement in 1989 and spearheaded the negotiations that led to the resignation of the Communist government. He had an impact on the history of his country and of our epoch, said the President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy. Saying that he was deeply saddened at the news, President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso said that the former Czech President (from 1989 to 1992 and then from 1993 to 2003) was a true European who had been a lifelong champion of democracy and freedom. He said that Vaclav Havel's name would always be associated with the reunification of Europe and the spread of European values in Central and Eastern Europe.
EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Catherine Ashton said Havel was an immensely courageous man who had fought for democracy and freedom in incredibly difficult circumstances and with an unshakeable commitment to liberty. She said he was one of the great Europeans of his generation, a charismatic leader of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic.
President of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek said Vaclev Havel represented the Velvet Revolution and the reunification of Europe. He paid tribute to Havel's courage and leadership and to the role he played in bringing democracy to Central and Eastern Europe. Buzek said Havel had been a true statesman and a hero.
Other European heads of state also expressed their regret. (CG/transl.fl)