GENEVA – Reactions to the death of Kofi Annan, the first black African to become U.N. secretary-general and a Nobel Peace Prize winner who died early Saturday at age 80 after a short illness:

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“In a world now filled with leaders who are anything but that, our loss, the world’s loss, becomes even more painful.” — U.N. human rights chief Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein

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“I sincerely admired his wisdom and courage as well as his ability to make balanced decisions even under the most dire and critical circumstances.” — Russian President Vladimir Putin

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“A relentless champion for peace and a passionate ambassador for Sesame Street and the world’s children.” — Sesame Street

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“We are devastated … Africa and the world has lost a special human being.” — Nelson Mandela Foundation

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“A towering global leader and an unwavering champion for peace, justice and rule of law.” — Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif

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“Kofi was a gentle man and a tireless leader of the United Nations. His voice of experience will be missed around the world.” — Former U.S. president George W. Bush

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“The U.N. and the world have lost one of their giants.” — NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg

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“We give great thanks to God for Kofi Annan, an outstanding human being who represented our continent and the world with enormous graciousness, integrity and distinction.” — Former South African archbishop Desmond Tutu

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“Long after he had broken barriers, Kofi never stopped his pursuit of a better world.” — Former U.S. president Barack Obama