Farewell letter of Kohl's wife published to quell claims over suicide

Former Chancellor Helmut Kohl's wife wrote of the love for her husband in a farewell letter before her suicide.

The letter was published by a newspaper, with the family's permission, to quell speculation over Hannelore Kohl's death.

A historian said he publicised the excerpts to "end unworthy speculation" that Helmut Kohl had forced his wife to her action.

She thanked her husband "for a life with you and on your side - full of events, love, happiness and contentment ... I love you and admire your strength," Hannelore Kohl wrote, according to the letter given to Welt am Sonntag by historian Theo Schwarzmueller.

Hannelore Kohl ended her life on July 5, reportedly by taking an overdose of pills, after coping for months with a rare disease that prevented her from being exposed to light.

"I have over many years fought light and sun - unfortunately in vain," she wrote in the note.

Mr Schwarzmueller said he publicized the excerpts of the note to "end unworthy speculation" put forward by some media that Helmut Kohl had forced his wife to her action.