UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks during a wreath-laying ceremony on the occasion of the 58th anniversary of the death of Dag Hammarskjold, at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 17, 2019. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday paid tribute to his predecessor Dag Hammarskjold, who died 58 years ago in a plane crash in today's Democratic Republic of Congo en route to cease-fire negotiations. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)
UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday paid tribute to his predecessor Dag Hammarskjold, who died 58 years ago in a plane crash in today's Democratic Republic of Congo en route to cease-fire negotiations.
The circumstances of the plane crash are subject to UN investigation.
"Around the world, Dag Hammarskjold is rightly revered for his achievements, his dedication and his values," said Guterres at a wreath-laying ceremony at UN Headquarters. "He shaped the United Nations into an active force in making and keeping peace. He skillfully created and seized opportunities. He bravely put himself forward for the most difficult challenges."
Hammarskjold gave his life for peace, Guterres noted. "Today, we recognize this as the ultimate act of courage."
Guterres reiterated his commitment to pursuing the truth of Hammarskjold's death.
In a few weeks, the UN General Assembly will consider a report by Mohamed Chande Othman, whom Guterres appointed in 2017 to examine the circumstances of Hammarskjold's death.
"As we look forward to the new session of the General Assembly, we pay tribute to Dag Hammarskjold's efforts to fulfill the pledge of the United Nations Charter. We remember his extraordinary contribution and we resolve to build on his achievements," said Guterres.
This year's General Assembly starts on Tuesday.
