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U.N. reacts to death of Saudi Arabian king

UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- The United Nations has expressed deepest condolences on the death of Fahd Bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia.

U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan Monday said, "Under King Fahd's leadership, the country witnessed remarkable progress in areas ranging from industrial development to education. While recognizing the demands of the modern world, King Fahd was also firmly guided, in the tradition of his predecessors, by the principles and traditions of Islam."

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Fahd was a Cabinet minister for 29 years during which the country experienced its oil boom in the 1970s. He became king of Saudi Arabia in 1982, just as the country went through an oil bust.

The 84-year-old monarch was succeeded by his half-brother, Crown Prince Abdullah.

Anan added, "King Fahd will be remembered not only with deep affection and loyalty among the people of the kingdom, but with profound respect in the Islamic, Arab and world communities."

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