Washington, DC (July 2, 2013) — Ambassador Edward M. Gabriel, former US Ambassador to Morocco and Chairman of the Moroccan American Center, issued the following statement today on the unexpected passing of former Congressman William H. Gray III:

We were deeply saddened by the passing of a close friend and colleague, Bill Gray, yesterday. We are especially grieved for his family and their loss of a dear loved one. Bill Gray was an American leader of great stature, who made historic contributions to his country — serving as a groundbreaking Majority Whip in the leadership in the US Congress, as chairman of the powerful House Budget Committee, as a remarkably successful head of the resurgent United Negro College Fund, and as pastor of his church in Philadelphia. He always had a strong grasp and belief in progressive policies, an uncanny sense of what was politically possible, and an abiding understanding of what was needed to improve people’s lot in life. He spent his life breaking down barriers and bringing people together. We were all extremely fortunate to have been in the presence of such a fine public servant. He brought hope, opportunity, grace, and good humor to his community, constituents, countrymen, and to those lucky enough to have called him friend. That personal friendship, as well as his friendship with Morocco, will be missed.

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The Moroccan American Center for Policy (MACP) is a non-profit organization whose principal mission is to inform opinion makers, government officials and interested publics in the United States about political and social developments in Morocco and the role being played by the Kingdom of Morocco in broader strategic developments in North Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. For more, please visit www.moroccanamericanpolicy.org

This material is distributed by the Moroccan American Center for Policy on behalf of the Government of Morocco. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice in Washington, DC.