On behalf of the men and women of the Department of State, I wish to express our sadness at the passing of Max Kampelman, whose contributions to American diplomacy remain a force for freedom and peace in our world. As our premier Ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (or Helsinki process) during the Cold War and its aftermath, and as Counselor of State and Chief Negotiator to the Nuclear and Space Arms talks in the 1980s, Ambassador Kampelman advanced with unmatched eloquence and effectiveness the precept that respect for human rights within nations is essential to cooperation and peace among nations.

Ambassador Kampelman’s leadership was instrumental to the successful negotiation of human rights commitments and democratic norms that continue to be international gold standards. His contributions to arms control and international security ushered in a more stable, predictable geostrategic landscape. He never stopped working to control the threat posed by nuclear weapons, and he never stopped speaking out for the cause of human rights.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kampelman family.