WASHINGTON, CMC – Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the Organization of American States (OAS), Sir Ronald Sanders, Tuesday said his country supports the establishment of a permanent symbol in the OAS headquarters, recognizing the former President of Chile, Salvador Allende.
Speaking at a meeting of the OAS Permanent Council “In Remembrance of the 50th anniversary of the coup d’état in Chile,” Sir Ronald said that the coup d’état on September 11, 1973, led to the overthrow of the democratically elected government of President Salvador Allende.
“This event shook not only Chile but the very foundations of democracy and the rule of law in our hemisphere,” the Antigua and Barbuda diplomat said, adding that Allende’s life was “abruptly and tragically cut short, and so, too, was freedom and justice in Chile.”
He said while the coup d’état prevailed, there were widespread human rights abuses, thousands of disappearances, and a regime that stood against the values OAS member states now cherish.
“To ensure that such an event does not fade into the annals of history, unnoticed and unacknowledged, my delegation fully supports the establishment of a permanent symbol in the OAS headquarters, recognizing President Allende.
“We are aware that this will also be a remembrance of all those who lived in fear and suffered under the subsequent autocratic rule in Chile and a reminder to all our nations of the dire consequences of standing silent when democracy is assaulted.”
Sir Ronald said that the Permanent Council should use this occasion to reaffirm the hemispheric body’s commitment to the enduring values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
“Let us honor President Allende and the countless others who have fallen in the struggle for these ideals. Let us also resolve never to allow history to repeat itself,” reminding the Council members that they are “custodians of democracy, peace, human rights and development in our hemisphere.
“It is a grave responsibility, and we must always recall the importance of our task and how much the peoples of our countries expect us to defend and uphold their rights and freedoms,” he added.
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