Georgian top officials send condolences over death of US general, politician Colin Powell

The Georgian president and prime minister have sent condolences over the recent death of the US General, politician and diplomat Colin Powell, who died of coronavirus yesterday. 

 

Powell had served as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 1989-1993 and as the 65th United States Secretary of State between 2001 and 2005. 

 

He passed away at the age of 84. 

 

Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili has stated that the death of Powell ‘is a blow to world diplomacy’. 

 

“A great mind who helped shape global direction into the 21st century, his work has been an example to generations of young minds seeking to make the world a safer place. He will be missed. Rest In Peace,” Zurabishvili stated.

 

Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili stated that ‘I am deeply saddened to learn about the death of General Colin Powell.’ 

 

“A true trailblazer, man of decency and honor, US patriot and great friend of Georgia has left us. My deepest condolences to the Powell family and American people,” Garibashvili tweeted. 

 

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was on his first official visit to Georgia when he learnt about the death. 

 

He states that Powell ‘was a tremendous personal friend and mentor to me, and there’s a hole in my heart right now as I think about his loss. My thoughts and prayers today are with his family, and I want them to know I will miss him dearly.’