DEATH OF HW BUSH: TRIBUTES

Tributes have poured for former US president George H.W. Bush following his death on Friday at the age of 94. 

"George HW Bush was a man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for."

SON GEORGE W BUSH

"Through his essential authenticity, disarming wit, and unwavering commitment to faith, family, and country, President Bush inspired generations of his fellow Americans to public service."

US PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP

"I am profoundly grateful for every minute I spent with President Bush and will always hold our friendship as one of my life's greatest gifts."

FORMER US PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON

"We had the chance to work together during the time of enormous changes. And this was a dramatic time which called for huge responsibility from everyone. The result was the end of the Cold War and the arms race... He was a true partner."

FORMER SOVIET LEADER MIKHAIL GORBACHEV

"President George HW Bush's ethos of public service was the guiding thread of his life and an example to us all. (...) Today Britain remembers a great statesman and a true friend of our country."

BRITISH PRIME MINISTER THERESA MAY

"In 1989, at a time of upheaval and challenges, when the blocs were staggering and the decades-long confrontation was beginning to crumble, he bravely seized the opportunity to end the Cold War. He is among the architects of German unity. We will never forget that."

GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER HEIKO MAAS

"He was a world leader, who strongly supported the alliance with Europe. Our sympathy to his family and beloved ones."

FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON

"I will never forget the role he played in making Europe a safer and more united place following the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Iron Curtain."

EUROPEAN COMMISSION HEAD JEAN-CLAUDE JUNCKER