SG/SM/7314

SECRETARY-GENERAL PAYS TRIBUTE TO SIGVARD EKLUND OF SWEDEN, FORMER HEAD OF ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY, WHO HAS DIED AT 89

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

Sigvard Eklund of Sweden, who headed the International Atomic Energy Agency from 1961 to 1981, has died at the age of 89.

As the agency's second director, he established its main scientific and technical programmes, and was named Director-General Emeritus for life, in recognition of his achievements.

The Secretary-General pays tribute to Sigvard Eklund for his towering contribution to the United Nations in the field of nuclear energy, and expresses his sincere condolences to his family and to the Government and people of Sweden.

* *** *
United Nations