STATEMENT BY THE CHAIR OF THE GROUP OF 77 ON THE PASSING OF NESTOR KIRCHNER, FORMER PRESIDENT OF ARGENTINA (New York, 15 November 2010)
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STATEMENT BY THE CHAIR OF THE GROUP OF 77 ON THE PASSING OF NESTOR KIRCHNER, FORMER PRESIDENT OF ARGENTINA (New York, 15 November 2010) |
Argentina and Latin America have just lost a great Statesman. As Secretary-General of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), and former President of Argentina, Nestor Carlos Kirchner has departed the temporal world with a brilliant legacy.
As President of the Republic of Argentina, he was notable for insisting on the importance of accountability and transparency in government.
To bring a difficult chapter of Argentinian history to a close, President Kirchner overturned amnesty laws of officials accused of torture and assassinations during the so-called "dirty war" (1976-1983).
To strengthen governance and the rule of law, he emphasized accountability of businesses to democratic institutions. President Kirchner also promoted environmental standards and contractual obligations.
Illustrative of his determination to rectify a deteriorating economic situation, is the manner of dealing with the deep economic malaise which afflicted Argentina upon his assumption of the presidency.
Argentina default was the largest in history. During his first year in office he concluded an agreement with the I.M.F. to reschedule $84 billion in debt for three years. However, on December 2005, President Kirchner announced the cancellation of his country's debt to the IMF in full and offered a single payment. The Argentinian economy later stabilized and rebounded.
As Secretary-General of UNASUR, he promoted dialogue and mediated disputes between the South American nations.
President Nestor Kirchner dedicated his life to peace and dialogue in his region and was an advocate of justice the world over. He worked tirelessly to enhance the development of his beloved country, Argentina.
President Nestor Kirchner died of heart failure on 27 October 2010.
Let me convey, on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, profound condolences to the people, Government of Argentina, the incoming Chairman of the Group of 77 and China, and to his wife, Cristina Kirchner, the current President of the Republic of Argentina. God bless his soul.
New York, 15 November 2010