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Fulbright Association
1100 G Street, N.W.
Suite 525
Washington, D.C. 20005
Phone: (202) 347-5543
Fax: (202) 347-6540 |
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Senator Edward M. Kennedy's Tribute to President Aylwin |
| It is an honor to join the Fulbright Association in paying tribute to President
Aylwin for his many contributions to the cause of democracy in Chile.
President Aylwin has dedicated his life to promoting democracy and human rights.
I've admired his courage for many years and his leadership in advancing these
great goals for our hemisphere. In 1986, I visited Chile when the land was still
under the dark cloud of dictatorship. I learned first hand of the tactics of
intimidation practiced by those who have no respect for freedom or conscience.
The government actively tried to obstruct my visit.
In a speech to the Chilean Commission for Human Rights during that visit, I
asked, "When will the promise of Chile be redeemed? When will the universities
be free again? When will the people be free to speak again, without fear of
harassment or arrest?" |
| The answer came on December 1989, when the Chilean people elected President
Aylwin and a new Congress to lead the country back into the family of democratic
nations. I had the great honor to attend President Aylwin's inauguration in
1990, to witness the transfer of power from General Pinochet to President
Aylwin, and to see the pride of the people of Chile in the restoration of their
democracy and respect for human rights. |
| I recall vividly how newly elected members of congress silently displayed photos
of the "disappeared," when General Pinochet entered the congress. I recall
equally how General Pinochet removed his presidential sash and the freely
elected president of the new senate placed a new sash on President Patricio
Aylwin. It was an historic act full of symbolism for democracy in Chile and in
all nations, a powerful demonstration of the invincibility of the human spirit.
Throughout the dark years of oppression and the hard years of intimidation and
the difficult years of suffering, the people of Chile had never wavered in their
enduring commitment to freedom. |
| In the years that followed, President Aylwin skillfully guided: Chile into the
international community of democratic nations, never wavering from his
commitment to fundamental human rights, liberty and democracy. Through his skill
and personal intervention, he reduced the excessive power of the military.
Because of the foundation he laid, the Chilean military today is fulfilling its
constitutional and appropriate role in Chilean society.
President Aylwin also implemented sound social and economic policies to benefit
the people. The economy grew, and the poverty rate dropped by fifteen percent,
in a convincing demonstration that freedom and social justice and economic
progress go hand in hand. |
| President Aylwin performed an indispensable role in promoting reconciliation and
supporting the victims of the flagrant human rights violations that had occurred
in the past. He established the Commission on Truth and Reconciliation, which
investigated and documented the abuses under the Pinochet regime, and created a
program to provide reparations for victims' relatives. As a result of these
impressive activities, reconciliation has been achieved and the future is bright
with promise. |
| Today, as president of the Corporation for Democracy and Justice, President
Aylwin continues his great works, and he eminently deserves this Fulbright Prize
for International Understanding. Truly, he is a profile in courage for our time
and for all time. |
| See also: |
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