UN, NATO send condolences to Poland

Leaders of the United Nations and NATO have sent condolences to the people of Poland following the deaths of its President Lech Kaczynski, his wife and dozens of political, military and religious leaders in a plane crash. Both organizations' flags flew at half mast on Monday.

Ban Ki-moon, United Nations' Secretary-General, said, "United Nations stands with the Polish people and government at this time of sorrow and I hope they will be able to overcome this moment of sorrow."

Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO Secretary General, said, "At this time of great sorrow for Poland and its people it is important that they understand that the alliance stands side by side with them in solidarity, now at this saddest moment but also as they move ahead and seek to honour the memory of so many fine Poles who have worked for the greater security not just of their own country but also of the alliance."

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, center, leads a minute of silence at NATO headquarter in Brussels, Monday April 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Yves Logghe)