Chile: Obama and former Chilean presidents reaffirm commitment to human rights

Santiago Times

Obama Meets Presidents From Chile’s Transition To Democracy
Written by Mark Briggs

Former President Frei hopeful U.S. will support investigation into his father’s death

United States President Barack Obama met with former left-wing Concertación presidents of Chile yesterday as part of his state visit and ongoing tour of Latin America.

During a 10 minute meeting with Obama, former presidents Patricio Aylwin, Eduardo Frei and Ricardo Lagos reaffirmed their commitment to human rights. This includes support for the re-opened investigation into the death of Eduardo Frei’s father, Eduardo Frei Montalva, also a former president of Chile.
“They will help to shed light on all human rights violations,” said Eduardo Frei. “The decision of the United States government, through its president, that they are available to help is important news for the process. It is a very good sign because at this stage we need help.”

“We all know the significance of U.S. intervention. Obama has said is that we must draw lessons from history and look forward. What matters is the commitment to democracy and human rights,” he added.

Michelle Bachelet, an active human rights advocate who left office a year ago, was unable to attend due to travel associated with her post at the United Nations.

Earlier, during a joint press conference held with President Sebastián Piñera, Obama had said “any request by Chile for more information about the past is something we will certainly consider.” He added, “I think it’s important, though, for us, even as we understand our history and gain clarity about our history, that we’re not trapped by our history.”

The answer came as a response to a direct question from a Chilean journalist about human rights in Chile, who referred to the yet-unresolved Frei case.

The Concertación received praise from Obama for its work in the transition from military rule to democracy. “We talked about the transition process, the struggle for democracy and all that that entails, the efforts of these 20 years, the effort of this country to have a peaceful transition, and with unprecedented economic growth in Chile,” said Frei.

Eduardo Frei’s father, Eduardo Frei Montalva, was the president of Chile from 1964 to 1970. He was part of a center-left government but held a staunch anti-communist stance that enamored him to U.S. presidents Kennedy and Johnson. By 1973 he supported a military coup, fearing Salvador Allende was working towards a communist “totalitarian project.”

Frei expected the military to hand power back once the government had been overthrown. When it became clear this would not happen Frei began to openly campaign against the dictatorship. In 1982 he entered hospital for a routine hernia operation. He died January 22 from apparent surgical complications.

Claims that he was poisoned by the Chilean secret service have persisted, with irregularities with the autopsy fueling speculation. The procedure was carried out without the family’s approval and Frei’s body drained of all liquids. On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Frei Montalva’s birth, Piñera vowed to investigate the politician’s suspicious death (ST, Jan. 24).

Chilean authorities have also announced they plan to investigate the death of Salvador Allende who died from a gunshot wound during the military coup, deemed by the military government to have resulted from suicide.

SOURCES: LA TERCERA, RADIO COOPERATIVA
By Mark Briggs

http://santiagotimes.cl/politics/presidential/21033-obama-meets-presidents-from-chiles-transition-to-democracy