(VOVworld)- United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon expressed his profound sadness at the passing of Nelson Mandela.

Former South African President Nelson Mandela. Photo: UN

Ban affirmed that former President Mandela is an icon of justice and inspiration for human kind. His life is a great sacrifice for the fight against colonialism and racism all over the world. At a meeting on Thursday, all representatives of the 15 member countries of the UN Security Council observed a moment of silence for Mandela. The same day, EU leaders also expressed grief over Mandela’s death. President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy called Mandela “one of the greatest political icons of all time”. President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso said Mandela has changed the course of history for people in South Africa, Africa and the world. US President Barack Obama praised Mandela for the idea to build a society for democracy and freedom. President Obama ordered flags to be flown at half mast at the White House, government offices, and military bases to honor Mr. Mandela. UK Prime Minister David Cameron delivered a speech to commemorate the former South African President. He stressed that Mandela is a hero of the ages. In Paris, French President Francois Hollande called Nelson Mandela’s legacy a source of inspiration for the search for freedom in the world.