Nelson Mandela's death: What leaders across globe said (Pics)

Johannesburg, Dec 6: Leaders from across the world expressed grief over the death of former president of South Africa and iconic anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela. Here is a look at what they said:

Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India

"A giant among men has passed away. This is as much India's loss as South Africa's. He was a true Gandhian. His life and work will remain a source of eternal inspiration for generations to come. I join all those who are praying for his soul."

Barack Obama, President of the USA

"I am one of the countless millions who drew inspiration from Nelson Mandela's life. My very first political action -- the first thing I ever did that involved an issue or a policy or politics was a protest against apartheid...I cannot fully imagine my own life without the example that Nelson Mandela set. And so long as I live, I will do what I can to learn from him."

Jacob Zuma, President of South Africa

"...He is now resting. He is now at peace. Our nation has lost its greatest son."

Francoise Hollande, President of France

"Mandela's message would continue to inspire fighters for freedom, and to give confidence to peoples in the defence of just causes and universal rights."

Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar leader

"I would like to express my extreme grief at the passing away of a man who stood for human rights and for equality in this world."

Michelle Obama, First Lady of the USA

"He belongs to the ages."

Uhuru Kenyatta, President of Kenya

"It is with profound sorrow that I have learnt of the passing away of ‘Shujaa' Nelson Mandela, an outstanding African statesman and icon."

Queen Elizabeth of Britain

"(Mandela) worked tirelessly for the good of his country, and his legacy is the peaceful South Africa we see today."

The Dalai Lama, Tibetan spiritual leader

"The best tribute we can pay to him is to do whatever we can to contribute to honouring the oneness of humanity and working for peace and reconciliation as he did."

Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany

"Mandela's political legacy of non-violence and the condemnation of all forms of racism" would continue to inspire."

Joe Biden, Vice President of the USA

"In the hands of Nelson Mandela, hope and history rhymed. This is a better world because Nelson Mandela was in it. He was a good man."

Bill Clinton, former president of the USA

"We will remember him as a man of uncommon grace and compassion, for whom abandoning bitterness and embracing adversaries was not just a political strategy but a way of life."

OneIndia News