"The Secretary-General has learned of the sudden death of Turkmen President Saparmurat Atayevich Niyazov. President Niyazov made important contributions to United Nations peace processes in Tajikistan and Afghanistan.

The Secretary-General extends his condolences to the family of the late President and people of Turkmenistan."

- Complete and unexpurgated statement by Kofi Annan, 21.12.06 Or maybe he was too busy clearing his office.