ESCWA Executive Secretary Rima Khalaf today issued a statement on the passing of veteran diplomat, writer and scholar Clovis Maksoud. In her statement, Khalaf said: “Had Clovis Maksoud passed away when all was well in the world, his death would still have been painful. Alas, he is mourned in a bleak time, when he and the values he upheld are desperately needed”.
Following is the full text of her statement:
“Had Clovis Maksoud passed away when all was well in the world, his death would still have been painful. Alas, he is mourned in a bleak time, when he and the values he upheld are desperately needed. Clovis Maksoud exemplified what it means to be Arab: an ally of good and an enemy of evil. He supported liberation movements and revolutions demanding human rights for individuals and groups, dedicating his life to Arab civil liberties and the Palestinian Cause. He denounced sectarianism, authoritarianism, colonialism and subordination. His fervour for nobility in public life was a reflection of his personal integrity, compassion and diligence. He was also a teacher who learned as much from his students as they did from him. At a time when many politicians had built their power on fear, Clovis Maksoud had numerous devoted supporters who saw him as a sheikh heedfully guiding his trusting followers.
Clovis Maksoud was the most loyal, empathetic, generous, tolerant and gracious of people. He was fully informed of politics in both the Arab Mashreq and Maghreb, and never feared an oppressor or ignored an injustice. He was no stranger to suffering, personal and public, but refused to succumb and fought tirelessly with all his might, thus drawing strength from pain. His gentleness was expressed through a single rose placed annually on his wife’s grave to fight the grief of loss; and his hardiness was manifested in defiant words against oppression and intimidation, whomever the perpetrators. At 90, walking with the aid of a stick, he was more distinguished and respected that many leaders and figureheads.
His eloquence was unrivalled when championing Arab rights. He was among the Lebanese who devoted themselves to the Palestinian Cause as a beacon of Arab righteousness that could never be compromised, because doing so would undermine all other Arab endeavours.
Clovis Maksoud, who knew Nehru and Abdul Nasser, and was known to Arab kings, princes and leaders, lived 90 honest years renouncing power and wealth. He left this world alone and far from his homeland, leaving an inescapable sense of guilt hovering over his followers who berate themselves for having left him alone and who bemoan his leaving the Arab Uma that he represented so passionately.
We could not save Clovis Maksoud from his lonely death, but we can protect his legacy and dream. He dedicated his life to bringing people together, to demand their rights and be generous to each other, as he was.
May he rest in peace. “
