The late King Fahd Bin Abdul-Aziz al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, was praised today by U.N. General Assembly President Jean Ping as a man of great vision who inspired the people of Saudi Arabia for almost a quarter century. King Fahd "led Saudi Arabia through a period of unparalleled progress and development, making enduring contributions in the field of international and regional diplomacy," Ping told the first General Assembly since King Fahd's death on August 1. Individual countries spoke in memory of the late King, including Yemeni Ambassador to the United Nations H.E.Abdullah Alsaidi. "He was an unusual man," said Alsaidi. "He was granted wisdom from his father. Faith and willingness were his attributes." The regional groups of the United Nations also eulogized the late king. "He was fond of African peoples and all developing countries," said Moroccan diplomat Mohamed Bennouna, who is currently chairman of the African Group. "The African Group on this occasion wishes to express its sadness." --more 2308 Local Time 2008 GMT
