(LEAD) S. Korea expresses deep condolences over Carter's death

▲ This file photo, released by the Associated Press, shows former President Jimmy Carter standing behind his birthday cake during his 90th birthday celebration at Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus, Georgia, on Oct. 4, 2014. (Yonhap)

(LEAD) S Korea-Carter death

(LEAD) S. Korea expresses deep condolences over Carter's death

(ATTN: ADDS details on gov't plan to send condolences in 6th para)

SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean government expressed deep condolences Monday over the death of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, saying his spirit and achievements in promoting peace will be remembered forever.

Carter, the U.S. president from 1977-1981 and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate for his post-presidency efforts to promote peace, died at his home in Georgia on Sunday (U.S. time) at the age of 100.

"Our government, together with our people, expresses deep condolences," Seoul's foreign ministry said.

"Former President Carter dedicated his life to advancing universal human values, such as international peace, democracy and human rights, and received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 in recognition of his contributions," it said.

In particular, Carter had great interest in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula and actively worked toward it, the ministry noted.

The government plans to send a message of condolence in a telegram under the name of acting President Choi Sang-mok.

"Our government and people highly regard former President Carter's spirit and achievements and will remember him forever," the ministry said.

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