UN chief calls Mandela ´a giant for justice´

UNITED NATIONS: Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says Nelson Mandela was "a giant for justice" whose "selfless struggle for human dignity, equality and freedom" inspired many people around the world.

"No one did more in our time to advance the values and aspirations of the United Nations," he told reporters soon after Mandela´s death was announced Thursday.

"Nelson Mandela showed what is possible for our world, and within each one of us, if we believe a dream and work together for justice and humanity," Ban said.

"Let us continue each day to be inspired by Nelson Mandela´s lifelong example to keep working for a better and more just world."

The UN Security Council interrupted a meeting on the tribunals for former Yugoslavia and Rwanda and stood for a minute in silent tribute to Mandela. (AP)