Shinzo Abe, Japan’s Longest-serving PM, Assassinated

“My family and I were deeply saddened to hear the news of the sudden and tragic death of the former prime minister, Shinzo Abe,” the queen said.

“I have fond memories of meeting Mr. Abe and his wife during their visit to the United Kingdom in 2016. His love for Japan and his desire to forge ever-closer bonds with the United Kingdom were clear.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “shocked and saddened beyond words.” Modi also said that India would observe one day of national mourning on Saturday to respect the former prime minister.

Many other world leaders reacted to the news, including leaders of Canada, Germany, Pakistan, Sweden, the Philippines, Australia, Spain, France, and Italy.

The International Olympic Committee praised Abe’s “vision, determination, and dependability,” which enabled the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics for one year because of the global spread of the coronavirus.

The IOC said it would have the Olympic flag flown at half-staff in the Olympic house in Lausanne, Switzerland, for three days.

Source: VOA