UAE leaders mourn icon of peace and unity

President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a cable of condolences to South African President Jacob Zuma on the death of the historic icon, political leader and former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. Sheikh Khalifa expressed his heartfelt sympathy to Mandela's family and to the people of South Africa on their loss, describing Mandela as "a symbol of peace and an exceptional personality whose wisdom, tenacity, humility and qualities of leadership enabled him to overcome the bitterness of the apartheid era." Sheikh Khalifa recalled the strong relations Mandela had established with the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. "The world has lost a true fighter and a formidable leader for peace, freedom and equality. He was a voice of justice, human dignity and goodwill for all of humanity," he added. The Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, sent similar cables to President Zuma. Source: WAM