End of an era

Merkel said she felt "deep sorrow" at Kennedy's death.

"For decades, Edward Kennedy was one of the most prominent figures in American politics," she said. "His advocacy for justice and peace was characterized by conviction and steadfastness. Germany and Europe have lost a good and treasured friend."

Kennedy died late Tuesday night at his home in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, following a year-long battle with brain cancer. He was the last surviving brother in a political dynasty that included President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert F. Kennedy, whose deaths at the hands of assassins cast a shadow over the idealism of America during the 1960s.

UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown said that Kennedy will be mourned "on every continent," not only in the US.

"He led the world in championing children's education and health care, and believed that every single child should have the chance to realize their potential to the full," Brown said in a statement. "Even facing illness and death, he never stopped fighting for the causes which were his life's work."

Great friend of Ireland

Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen highlighted Kennedy's commitment to help resolve the conflict in Northern Ireland.

"In good days and bad, Ted Kennedy worked valiantly for the cause of peace on this island," Cowen said in a statement.

Kennedy, who was of Irish Catholic descent, was initially an outspoken opponent of Britain's military deployment in Northern Ireland during the sectarian violence of the 1970s and 80s which claimed the lives of over 3,500 people. He later modified his views and became involved in the negotiations that led to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement that established power-sharing in the province.

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, whose administration presided over the agreement, praised Kennedy's efforts.

"I saw his focus and determination first hand in Northern Ireland, where his passionate commitment was matched with a practical understanding of what needed to be done to bring about peace and sustain it," Blair said.

Commission notes focus on developing world

The European Commission hailed Kennedy as "a selfless public servant who fought for the rights of all Americans and sought to help people in developing countries across the globe."

Kennedy was well known for his role in opposing apartheid in South Africa, for example. He visited the country in 1985 to draw attention to the plight of the black majority, and backed economic sanctions against the apartheid regime. The US Congress approved the measures in 1986.

In a statement, the Nelson Mandela Foundation remembered how Kennedy "made his voice heard in the struggle against apartheid at a time when the freedom struggle was not widely supported in the West."

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Editor: Rick Demarest