Today (26 August) Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier sent a letter of condolence to the widow of US Senator Edward Kennedy. The letter read as follows:

“I was shocked and saddened to learn of your husband’s death.

Edward Kennedy’s death marks the loss of an outstanding public figure who was a role model and one of the leading voices in the fight for justice and freedom. He was known and admired far beyond the borders of the United States for his unrelenting and successful commitment to the rights of women and minorities, to strengthening the health care system and to improving educational opportunities.

Senator Kennedy fought passionately to achieve the goals of the Democratic party. With him, constructive dialogue and the search for practical solutions always took priority over ideological differences.

With the greatest respect for Senator Kennedy’s work, I would like to express my condolences and deepest sympathy to you.”