Madam, - Luciano Pavarotti, whose death has greatly saddened us, was not only one of our best loved tenors but also an inspiring humanitarian.
His staunch support of the United Nations saw his appointment as a United Nations Messenger of Peace by former secretary general Kofi Annan.
In 2001, he was also awarded the Nansen Refugee Award in recognition of his outstanding service to the cause of refugees, for his great generosity and for raising more funds for refugees than any other sole individual.
His unceasing efforts to mobilise public opinion and raise funds for refugees with an annual "Pavarotti and Friends" concert contributed to crucial humanitarian operations in Kosovo, Pakistan, Zambia and Iraq.
He will be warmly remembered by the UN family. - Yours, etc,
MANUEL JORDAO, UNHCR Representative in Ireland, Lower Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2.