AUSTRIA: Flags flew at half mast all over Austria yesterday following the death of President Thomas Klestil (71) two days before he was due to stand down, writes Derek Scally in Berlin
Dr Klestil's death shortly before midnight on Tuesday from organ failure will overshadow today's swearing in of his successor, Dr Heinz Fischer.
"Austria lost a great personality, a committed Austrian and European, who had dedicated his life to serve his country and its people," the Austrian Chancellor, Mr Wolfgang Schüssel, said.
He had assumed the president's duties on Monday morning after Dr Klestil suffered a heart attack and was flown to Vienna General Hospital. Doctors were unable to revive him and his condition deteriorated rapidly.
His body was brought in a flag-draped casket to the presidential office in the Hofburg palace in central Vienna yesterday, beginning four days of mourning. A public memorial service will be held tomorrow followed by a state funeral on Saturday.
Dr Fischer said Dr Klestil's "truly impressive" life was "characterised by the fulfilment of his duty to the last breath".
World leaders paid tribute to Dr Klestil yesterday. Germany's new president, Mr Horst Köhler, said: "Austria and Europe have lost an outstanding statesman; Germany lost a friend."
Mr Romano Prodi, the president of the European Commission, called Dr Klestil a "great European" while Mr Pat Cox, the president of the European Parliament, paid tribute to his "deep sense of service to the Austrian people".
Dr Klestil's sudden death after a decade of poor health brings an end to a long diplomatic career and a dozen years as Austria's head of state. He was born in Vienna in 1932, studied economics and entered the civil service in 1957. He served as consul and ambassador in several postings.
Dr Klestil addressed Austria's war-time complicity with the Nazis and using a visit to Israel to express sympathy for victims of the Holocaust.
A book of condolence will open today and tomorrow from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the residence of the Austrian ambassador, 79 Ailesbury Road, Dublin 4.