The Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs Stavros Dimas addressed the following letter of condolence to the Speaker of the House of Representatives John Boehner regarding the passing of Donald Payne:
"Dear Mr. Speaker,
I was profoundly saddened to hear of the passing away of Donald Payne, a prominent member of the House of Representatives, who represented New Jersey since 1988 and was, as a member of the Greek Caucus, one of the strongest and more convinced friends of Greece.
The death of Congressman Payne, a stalwart defender of human rights, both in the U.S. and abroad, is a great loss for the American nation, as well as for his friends worldwide. He will always be remembered by the Greek people and the Americans of Greek origin, as a great statesman, who devoted his life serving his country and fighting for justice and peace throughout the world.
On behalf of the Greek government, the Greek people and myself, I want to extend to you and the American people my deepest condolences.
I would also highly appreciate your kind assistance in conveying our deepest condolences to his loved ones."
March 9, 2012
