INTERNATIONAL: European Parliament President David Sassoli, an Italian socialist and former journalist has died on Tuesday in hospital in Italy, his spokesperson and office has announced. He is 65 years old.

Mr. David Sassoli had been admitted to hospital last month because of a "serious complication" related to his immune system.

He had been president of the 705-seat parliament since July 2019. Mr. Sassoli, whose term in the predominantly ceremonial role had been due to end this month, had said he would not run for re-election.

Maltese lawmaker Roberta Metsola, from the conservative European People's Party (EPP), is widely expected to be a candidate for the post.

European Commission President Ursula van der Leyen, who heads the European Union's executive body, has paid tribute to Sassoli, saying that she was deeply saddened by his death. She has said that Mr. David Sassoli was a compassionate journalist, an outstanding President of the European Parliament and, first and foremost, a dear friend.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg also sent his condolences. And has said, he is saddened to hear of the death of EP_resident David Sassoli, a strong voice for democracy and NATO-EU cooperation.

Italian politicians on many sides have paid tribute to Mr. Sassoli. Italy’s Prime Minister Mario Draghi has said Mr. Sassoli's death was shocking and praised him as profoundly pro-European. He was a symbol of balance, humanity and generosity. These qualities have always been recognised by all his colleagues, from every political position and every European country.

Former Prime Minister Enrico Letta, who heads the Democratic Party, called Sassoli "a person of extraordinary generosity, a passionate European ... a man of vision and principles".

^{PHOTO: RECENT AND FILE FOOTAGE OF EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT PRESIDENT DAVID SASSOLI / STILL PHOTOGRAPHS OF SASSOLI}