International Mourning for former US President Jimmy Carter
The death of former US President Jimmy Carter has evoked great sympathy around the world. Carter died on Sunday at the age of 100 surrounded by his family in his home town of Plains in the US state of Georgia, according to Carter's foundation.
30.12.2024, 20:01
SDA
Numerous heads of state and government expressed their grief. US President Joe Biden paid tribute to Carter as a "man of great character and courage, hope and optimism".
Carter, a Democrat, governed in the White House from 1977 to 1981. He was not re-elected after his first term in office - he lost the election to Republican Ronald Reagan. Carter's time in office was overshadowed above all by the hostage-taking of diplomats in the US embassy in Tehran in 1979 and the failed rescue mission the following year.
Biden: "Compassion and moral clarity"
After leaving the presidency, Carter and his wife Rosalynn founded the Carter Center in Atlanta to promote democracy, human rights and economic development. Rosalynn, to whom he was married for 77 years, died just over a year ago.
In 2002, Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his "decades-long commitment to the peaceful resolution of international conflicts". He was actively involved in humanitarian work well into old age. Carter was the oldest living former US president. None of his predecessors reached a higher age than him.
With compassion and moral clarity, Carter campaigned for the eradication of disease, peace, the promotion of civil and human rights, free and fair elections, the homeless and the poorest, said Biden. "He saved, improved and changed the lives of people around the world."
National day of mourning on January 9
Biden declared January 9 a national day of mourning and ordered the US flag on the White House and the flags on all government buildings, military installations and embassies abroad to be flown at half-mast for 30 days. He will also order a state funeral to be held in the capital, Washington, Biden said.
A public funeral service is also planned in Carter's home state of Georgia. Carter is survived by four children, eleven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. "My father was a hero - not just to me, but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights and selfless love," the foundation quoted Carter's son Chip as saying.
Trump: Americans owe Carter a great debt of gratitude
Biden's designated successor Donald Trump also paid tribute to the ex-president. In a challenging time, Carter had "done everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans". Everyone owes him a great debt of gratitude for this. Contrary to custom, Carter had also repeatedly criticized subsequent presidents - including the Republican Trump. Carter had repeatedly interfered in politics after leaving the White House.
Scholz and Macron pay tribute to Carter
Many politicians from abroad also paid tribute to the 39th President of the United States. "Throughout his life, Carter was an unwavering defender of the rights of the most vulnerable", wrote French President Emmanuel Macron on Platform X. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wrote on X that the "USA is losing a committed fighter for democracy".
From the UK, the royal family spoke out. "His commitment and humility were an inspiration to many," said King Charles III. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that Carter redefined the period after his presidency "with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad".
Appreciation as a peacemaker
"He dedicated his life to the promotion of peace in the world and the defense of human rights. Let us remember today: peace is important and the world must continue to stand united against those who threaten these values," said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi recalled Carter's role in bringing about the peace agreement between Egypt and Israel. "His humanitarian commitment is an example of a high degree of love, peace and brotherhood," he wrote on X.
Last years marked by illness
Carter's health was poor in recent years. In February 2023, after several hospital stays, he discontinued his medical treatment and went into home care. In November, he fulfilled his wish and voted by mail in the US presidential election. Carter had previously made it clear to Biden that he wanted to support the Democrat Kamala Harris.
Carter made his cancer public in 2015, but was able to overcome it. In recent years, Carter had been hospitalized several times due to falls.
In November 2019, Carter made it clear at a church service in his hometown of Plains that he was facing death with serenity. "I didn't ask God to let me live," he said. "I asked God to give me an appropriate attitude toward death. And I found that I was completely at peace with death."
