Secretary-General Deeply Saddened over Death of Patricio Aylwin Azócar, Chile’s First Elected President following Military Dictatorship Era

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Patricio Aylwin Azócar, President of the Republic of Chile between 1990 and 1994.  He wishes to convey his heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr. Aylwin, as well as to the people and Government of Chile.

Having been elected as Chile’s first democratic Head of State after almost 17 years of military dictatorship, Mr. Aylwin’s ability to forge consensus and build peace was instrumental in putting the country on the road towards becoming the solid democracy it is today.  Moved by deep humanist convictions, Mr. Aylwin made a great contribution to his country as a respected politician, opinion leader, lawyer, author and intellectual throughout the 97 years of his life.  At the United Nations, he will be remembered for leading the efforts towards the World Summit for Social Development, which took place in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1995.

Mr. Aylwin was one of the great Latin American statesmen of our time.  His struggle for democracy, social justice and human rights will remain an inspiration for the region and the world.