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Two young people lay a wreath in front of Jimmy Carter's bust at his foundation in Atlanta. EFE
Global Mourning and Flags at Half-Mast in Honour of Former President Carter

Global Mourning and Flags at Half-Mast in Honour of Former President Carter

The United States will hold a state funeral on January 9 for its longest-serving leader, praised by the international community as a historic figure.

Caroline Conejero

Lunes, 30 de diciembre 2024, 23:25

Jimmy Carter's passing this past Sunday at the age of 100 has deeply moved people both domestically and internationally, with global tributes highlighting his simple character and historic stature. His presidency is remembered for significant political achievements, alongside tireless humanitarian work, transforming him into a genuine ambassador of peace and global humanity.

The death of the nation's longest-serving president has prompted an outpouring of condolences and praise from world leaders and American politicians. Hundreds have visited to lay flowers and messages of sympathy at the foundation established by the Nobel laureate, whose discreet yet monumental efforts to promote global health transformed countless lives.

Carter ended his life where it began: in Plains, the small town of 600 residents in Georgia where he was born in a humble home without electricity or running water on his father's peanut farm. He was surrounded by family. Following the death of his wife, Roselynn, in November 2023, he is survived by his children Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy, his eleven grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Jimmy Carter, in a photo taken in Washington. Reuters

The man who redefined the meaning of post-presidency will be honoured with a National Day of Mourning on January 9 and a state funeral. All U.S. flags flew at half-mast yesterday. As final preparations were announced, the Carter Center stated it would hold public ceremonies in Atlanta and Washington.

As is customary, the state funeral is expected to be held at the National Cathedral in Washington, where twelve other presidents have lain in state, including Abraham Lincoln, John Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, and George Bush. After the farewell ceremonies, Carter's body will return to Plains to be buried in the National Historic Park alongside his wife.

World leaders expressed their condolences: from Joe Biden, the Clintons, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump, to Pope Francis, Volodymyr Zelensky, leaders from Egypt, India, China, France, Panama, and Cuba, King Charles III, and the UN Secretary-General, among others. Spanish President Pedro Sánchez praised the late leader as "one of the most committed to justice and human rights."

Plains, Carter's home and birthplace. AFP

President Biden and First Lady Jill highlighted the world's loss of a statesman whom "for over six decades we had the honour to call a dear friend." The outgoing president described Carter as "a man of principles, faith, and humility" whom millions came to appreciate also "as a friend," sending a particular message to his successor, Donald Trump, inviting him to learn from Carter's "decency." "Can you imagine Jimmy Carter passing by someone in need? Can you imagine Jimmy Carter referring to someone by their physical appearance or how they speak? I cannot," he emphasized.

Vice President Kamala Harris praised his "commitment to public service" and reminded Americans that "there is power in decency and compassion." Other Democrats who have occupied the Oval Office also offered laudatory remarks, such as Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who praised Jimmy Carter's efforts in environmental protection, as well as his political achievements and tireless work for "a fairer world."

President-elect Donald Trump noted that citizens owe a "debt of gratitude" to Carter for his efforts to address the country's challenges at a crucial time.

International Agreements

His legacy, as president, included negotiating the Camp David Accords (1978) between Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, leading to the 1979 peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, praised by the Egyptian president. Abdelfatah El-Sisi stated that Carter "will be etched in the annals of history" and emphasized that "his high level of love, peace, and brotherhood" ensures he "will be remembered as one of the world's most outstanding leaders in service to humanity."

Flags at half-mast. EFE

Chinese President Xi Jinping also praised the former leader's "driving force" in establishing diplomatic relations between China and the United States. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres preferred to focus on his contribution to international peace and security, particularly in the landmark Camp David Accords, the SALT II Treaty, and the Panama Canal Treaties.

Even historical adversaries of the United States, such as Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his Cuban counterpart Díaz-Canel, joined in the condolences. "A man of proven commitment to peace and dialogue, leaving an indelible mark on the world," noted the Chavista leader.

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