European leaders pay tribute to Bush Sr.

European leaders on Saturday paid tribute to the late former US President George H.W. Bush who died a day earlier at the age of 94.

French President Emmanuel Macron sent condolences to the people of the US as well as the late leader's family and loved ones.

"(Bush) was a world leader, who strongly supported the alliance with Europe," Macron said in a statement via Twitter.

German government spokesperson Steffen Seibert praised Bush Sr. as a friend of the German people and noted his contribution to Germany's reunification, which occurred during Bush's term as President.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas also hailed Bush and his efforts to end the Cold War, adding that the late leader was "a great statesman and a friend of Germany".

Spain's former Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar also conveyed his condolences to the Bush family, noting that the former President had left a historical legacy worthy of being recognized.

Bush Sr. died on Friday, eight months after the death of his spouse, former First Lady Barbara Bush, to whom he was married for 73 years.

The late leader served as a fighter pilot during the Second World War, a Congressman, Ambassador to the UN, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director and served two terms as Ronald Reagan's Vice President between 1981 and 1989, before concluding his four-decade long political career by serving as the US President from 1989 to 1993.

His son, George W. Bush, was elected to the presidency in 2000 and served two terms.

--IANS

soni/bg