WASHINGTON – California Rep. Barbara Lee, Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, has released the following statement on the passing of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, Special Representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan:
“With the passing of Ambassador Holbrooke, America has lost a brilliant diplomat who dedicated his life to making America safer, stronger and more respected around the world.
“During his 50 year career, Ambassador Holbrooke played an important part in bringing peace and stability throughout the world from the Paris peace talks that ended the Vietnam War, the Dayton Accord that ended the war in Bosnia to the ongoing war in Afghanistan. During his tenure as Ambassador to the United Nations, he helped raise the profile of AIDS and Africa on the international agenda.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the Holbrooke family and I join all Americans as we mourn his passing, but celebrate his life and legacy. He will be deeply missed.”
