Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson
The 50th anniversary of the military coup that overthrew the democratically elected government of President Salvador Allende is an opportunity to reflect on this break in Chile’s democratic order and the suffering that it caused. We pay our deepest respects to the victims of the repression that followed and honor the extraordinary bravery and sacrifices of countless Chileans who stood up for human rights and fought for an end to dictatorship and a peaceful return to democracy. The Biden Administration has sought to be transparent about the U.S. role in this chapter of Chilean history by recently declassifying additional documents from 1973, as requested by the Chilean Government.
This commemoration is also an opportunity for us to reflect on Chile’s courageous return to democracy and international leadership. Today, Chile is a global model of a strong democracy in action and a strong advocate for democracy and human rights on the international stage. Its lived experience over the last 50 years makes its advocacy especially meaningful and compelling.
The United States reaffirms its fullest commitment to supporting democracy and upholding human rights. We greatly value our partnership with Chile in these efforts, as partners for a better future.
