Former Hungarian President Laszlo Solyom dies at 81

This file photo taken on Sept. 20, 2006 shows Laszlo Solyom in Budapest, Hungary. Former Hungarian President Laszlo Solyom passed away on Sunday following a long illness.

Solyom "passed after a long illness endured with great strength, activity, and serenity," a statement of the former president's secretariat said, according to the Hungarian news agency MTI. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)

BUDAPEST, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Former Hungarian President Laszlo Solyom passed away on Sunday following a long illness.

Solyom "passed after a long illness endured with great strength, activity, and serenity," a statement of the former president's secretariat said, according to the Hungarian news agency MTI.

Born on January 3, 1942 in Pecs, a southern city of Hungary, he led a life dedicated to legal scholarship and public service. In June 2005, the Parliament elected him as the president of Hungary, and he served in this position until August 5, 2010.

"Hungary's president, the great law professor, has passed away. Rest in peace, Laszlo Solyom!" Prime Minister Viktor Orban posted on his official Facebook page.