Washington, DC -- Congressman Eliot Engel, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, issued the following statement on the passing of former Argentine President Nestor Kirchner:

“I was extremely saddened to learn this morning of the death of former Argentine President Nestor Kirchner. Just last month, I had the privilege of meeting President Kirchner in New York City for lunch. President Kirchner was a true patriot who loved his country dearly. As Secretary General of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), he worked tirelessly with his colleagues from throughout South America. I send my deepest condolences to my good friend President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and all citizens of Argentina during this difficult time.”

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