UN pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

By Betul Yuruk

UNITED NATIONS (AA) - The UN paid tribute Thursday to Queen Elizabeth II with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres saying, "The sun has set on a most extraordinary reign."

The 193-member UN General observed a minute of silence for the late queen of Britain.

"Queen Elizabeth was a pillar without peer on the world stage for more than 70 years," Guterres told the General Assembly. "She assumed the throne in a different age: the era of Churchill, Truman, Stalin, and Mao. A reassuring and inspiring presence, she was an anchor of stability across decades of often turbulent history."

He said Elizabeth defied geopolitical gravity and was a "consummate" diplomat.

The funeral for Elizabeth, who died last Thursday at the age of 96 at Balmoral Castle in Scotland after 70 years on the throne, will be held on Sept. 19 in London.