U.S. former State Secretary, Warren Christopher dies of cancer at 85

Former Secretary of State Warren Christopher has succumbed to his kidney and bladder cancer and died at his Los Angeles home, Friday. He was 85.

Citing the statement made by his family, Reuters said that Christopher ‘passed away peacefully, surrounded by family’.

The former State Secretary is recognized for his initiatives to bring peace in Bosnia and for his courageous efforts for the release of American hostages in Iran.

In a statement Saturday, President Barack Obama underscored the contributions made by Christopher as a government official and as a public servant.

"As President Clinton's Secretary of State, he was a resolute pursuer of peace," President Barack Obama was quoted by Reuters as saying in a statement Saturday.

The President added, “Warren Christopher was a skillful diplomat, a steadfast public servant, and a faithful American.”

Christopher described himself as a ‘better listener’ and this according to Reuters may have contributed to the success of his diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, Africa and in many parts of the world.

"I observed some time ago that I was better at listening than at talking,” Reuters quoted the New York Times as citing Christopher as a deputy secretary of state in a 1981 speech.

Christopher’s deputy, the late Richard Holbrooke attested the former State Secretary’s role at the U.S.-brokered Bosnian peace talks in 1995. Holbrooke maintained, said Reuters that Christopher was the force behind the agreement penned during the negotiation.

Aside from his success in the Bosnian negotiation, Christopher is also recognized for his pursuit and efforts to bring peace and a ceasefire in Southern Lebanon due to conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, a pro-Iranian Islamic group. The U.S. official said Reuters had witnessed the signing of the peace agreement between Jordan and Israel in 1994.

But another notable contribution made by Christopher is his efforts in the 1979 hostage situation at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran.

Christopher had a big hand in the release of 52 Americans taken hostage who were freed on January 20, 1981 shortly after Ronald Reagan was sworn into power.

President Carter who awarded Christopher the Medal of Freedom during his term, said in a statement that America ‘had lost a great and revered leader’.

Carter was echoed by current Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton who said in a statement that Christopher was ‘diplomat’s diplomat – talented, dedicated and exceptionally wise’.

"As well as anyone in his generation, he understood the subtle interplay of national interests, fundamental values and personal dynamics that drive diplomacy," Clinton was quoted as saying by Reuters.

Christopher hailed form Scranton, North Dakota but grew up in Los Angeles. No details as of yet have been issued by the family on the funeral services and other activities in honor of his death.