World reacts to Senator McCain's death

 

KARACHI/WASHINGTON: Condolences poured in from around the world for famed US Senator John McCain of Arizona, who died Saturday at age 81, of glioblastoma — an aggressive form of brain cancer.

The diagnosis of McCain's cancer was first made in July 2017 and he was seen at the US Capitol in 2018. He had also undergone surgery in mid-April for an intestinal infection.

Below are some of the reactions to his death:

US President Donald Trump wrote: "My deepest sympathies and respect go out to the family of Senator John McCain.

"Our hearts and prayers are with you," he added.

Thanking McCain "for your service to the nation", US First Lady Melania Trump wrote: "Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy to the McCain Family."

Vice President Mike Pence prayed "God bless them all during this difficult time".

Former US President Barack Obama said: "… All of us can aspire to the courage to put the greater good above our own. At John's best, he showed us what that means. And for that, we are all in his debt."

"Michelle and I send our most heartfelt condolences to Cindy and their family," he added.

Former Vice President Joe Biden remembered McCain as "a friend".

"He will be missed dearly," he tweeted.

Sarah Palin, McCain's running mate and former governor of Alaska, wrote that he "was a maverick and a fighter, never afraid to stand for his beliefs.

"John never took the easy path in life - and through sacrifice and suffering he inspired others to serve something greater than self."

Former President George W. Bush said in a statement: "Some lives are so vivid, it is difficult to imagine them ended. Some voices are so vibrant, it is hard to think of them stilled. John McCain was a man of deep conviction and a patriot of the highest order."

In a joint statement, former US President Bill Clinton and former State Secretary Hillary Clinton said: “He frequently put partisanship aside to do what he thought was best for the country, and was never afraid to break the mold if it was the right thing to do. I will always be especially grateful for his leadership in our successful efforts to normalize relations with Vietnam.”

Hillary Clinton, through her own Twitter account, added that McCain "was a tough politician, a trusted colleague, and there will simply never be another like him".

Former US President Jimmy Carter wrote: “John McCain was a man of honor, a true patriot in the best sense of the word. Americans will be forever grateful for his heroic military service and for his steadfast integrity as a member of the United States Senate.”

Defense Secretary James Mattis, via the US Department of Defence spokesperson Dana W. White, said: “Passionately committed to our country, Senator McCain always put service to the Nation before self. He recognized that for our experiment in democracy to long endure, people of action and passion must serve.

"In this he represented what he believed, that ‘a shared purpose does not claim our identity — on the contrary, it enlarges your sense of self.’”

“In an era filled with cynicism about national unity and public service, John McCain’s life shone as a bright example. He showed us that boundless patriotism and self-sacrifice are not outdated concepts or cliches, but the building blocks of an extraordinary life,” US Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell wrote.

"Words cannot express the sorrow I feel at John McCain’s passing. The world has lost a hero and a statesman. […] I have lost a wonderful friend," Arizona Senator Jeff Flake said.

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey said: “John McCain is one American who will never be forgotten. He was a giant. An icon. An American hero. But here at home, we were most proud to call him a fellow Arizonan. 

"Like so many of us, he was not born here, but his spirit, service and fierce independence shaped the state with which he became synonymous.”

"I’ve lost one of my dearest friends and mentor," Senator Lindsey Graham wrote.

Senator Chuck Schumer wrote that McCain's "dedication to his country and the military were unsurpassed, and maybe most of all, he was a truth teller - never afraid to speak truth to power in an era where that has become all too rare".

"John McCain gave his life in service to this nation, exemplifying all that we admire in a hero. […] In his own way, he spoke truth to power," New York Governor Andrew Cuomo wrote.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal said the "halls of Congress will never be same with out Senator John McCain".

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi wrote: “The nation is in tears. Today, with the passing of John McCain, Congress and America have lost a leader and public servant of deep patriotism, outstanding bravery and undaunted spirit.”

He" was a leader & public servant of deep patriotism, outstanding bravery & undaunted spirit. Throughout his career, we all saw his integrity, humility, courage & grace," Pelosi wrote.

US armed forces offer condolences

US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Joseph Dunford said: “Senator McCain exemplified what it means to be a warrior and dedicated public servant. Both as a naval officer and as a member of Congress, he was a lifelong and tireless advocate for the men and women of the U.S. military.”

US Army, its chief General Mark A. Milley, and its secretary Mark Esper also issued a statement on the passing of Senator John McCain.

US Air Force wrote: "Yesterday, our country lost a great hero, POW & Combat Veteran - @SenJohnMcCain. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and to everyone mourning this loss."

US Navy Chief Admiral John Richardson said: "The nation has lost a great patriot and warrior. Whenever we were in a tough spot, we knew Senator McCain would be on our side with his characteristic toughness and integrity. The U.S. Navy mourns the loss of a true shipmate."

Commander Micah Murphy of the USS John S. Mccain wrote: "On behalf of the crew of USS John S. McCain, I offer our support and prayers to the McCain family, our gratitude to the senator for his years of service to our nation, and a heartfelt traditional Navy sendoff: ‘Fair winds and following seas.’ It is an honor to have our mighty warship carry on your name and continue your legacy.”

US Marine Corps Commandant Robert Blake Neller said: "Sen. McCain, thank you for your commitment, drive and relentless pursuit to make our military better. We have the watch and will drive on to protect the Nation." 

From around the world

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said he and his wife were "saddened to learn of the untimely loss of a great American hero, Senator John McCain.

"His valour comes second only to his service and dedication to family and country."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said: "Senator John McCain was an American patriot and hero whose sacrifices for his country, and lifetime of public service, were an inspiration to millions. Canadians join Americans tonight in celebrating his life and mourning his passing."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said: “John McCain was guided by the firm conviction that the value of all political work could be found in serving freedom, democracy and the rule of law. His death is a loss for all who share that conviction.”

British Prime Minister Theresa May wrote: "John McCain was a great statesman, who embodied the idea of service over self. It was an honour to call him a friend of the UK. My deepest sympathies go to his family, and the American people."

French President Emmanuel Macron said: "John McCain was a true American hero. He devoted his entire life to his country. His voice will be missed. Our respectful thoughts go to his beloved ones."

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg wrote: “John McCain - soldier and senator, American and Atlanticist. He will be remembered both in Europe and North America for his courage and character, and as a strong supporter of NATO. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said: “Senator John McCain was a true friend of Australia who was committed to strengthening the alliance between our two nations. He was a man of great courage and conviction. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Cindy, and all the McCain family during this time.”

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said: “On behalf of the people of Ireland, I extend my deepest sympathies on the death of Senator John McCain, a wise and remarkable statesman, US ally of Ireland and a proud Scots Irishman who was a champion for immigration reform in the US Senate.”