World leaders pay tribute to Cory

“Tribute Wall” photo taken at the vicinity of Manila Cathedral (August 3, 2009)

World leaders pay their respects for President Corazon Aquino, Here’s an excerpt of their statements:

“Mrs. Aquino will be remembered as a beacon of democracy not only in the Philippines but also around the world." -Ban Ki moon, United Nations Secretary General

Pope Benedict XVI hailed the late former President Corazon Aquino for her “courageous commitment to the freedom of the Filipino people” as he conveyed his condolences to her family. The Pope remembered Aquino as a woman of “deep and unwavering faith” and that the Holy Father prayed that the same faith and hope would be abundantly fulfilled.

“Aquino’s contributions to the development of the country and tireless devotion to peace, stability and democracy” for the Filipino people “are well recognized throughout the world and will always be remembered and cherished by all of us with admiration and respect.” -Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, Thailand

“Aquino played a crucial role in Philippine history, moving the country to democratic rule through her non-violent “People Power” movement over 20 years ago. “Her courage, determination, and moral leadership are an inspiration to us all and exemplify the best in the Filipino nation.” –President Barack Obama through White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs

“She helped bring democracy back to the Philippines after many years of authoritarian rule with a faith in her country and its people that never wavered, Like millions of people worldwide, Bill and I were inspired by her quiet strength and her unshakable commitment to justice and freedom. We join the American and Filipino people in honoring her life and memory” -Hillary Clinton, US Secretary of State

“President Aquino put people first. It was this philosophy that helped her restore democracy and freedom in the Philippines. I have always admired her spirituality and love of her people — she inspired the world over.” -Senator Judith Guthertz, Guam Legislature

“President Aquino is a legend of democracy and the power of people. Her legacy will live forever in the hearts and minds of free people and everyone fighting for liberty throughout the world.” -Senator Eddie Calvo, Guam Legislature

“The world will always remember Cory Aquino as a woman of incredible strength of will and unflinching bravery in the face of tyranny. She was a champion of peace, religious piety, and human rights and she will be missed.” -Delegate Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso recalled how honored then European Commission president Jacques Delors was to receive then President Aquino during a state visit in Brussels, Belgium in 1989.It was also during the time of then President Aquino when the official mission of the European Commission was established in the Philippines, particularly in Manila, in 1991.

Chinese President Hu Jintao had also sent his message of condolences and sympathies on the demise of President Aquino, citing her contributions in the development of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines.

“As an advisor in her campaign against President Marcos, the privilege of working with Cory and watching her was one of my life's greatest lessons in courage, leadership, the art of politics and humanity. The way she and all her family made such friends of me as an outsider is something I have always treasured,” –Britain’s former Foreign Office Minister Lord Malloch Brown

“The Philippines has lost a wonderful leader who is widely admired in Britain for her courage and inspiration.” -British Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Beckingham

UPDATE: More messages of condolences

Even as former President Corazon Aquino has been laid to rest Wednesday, people around the world like Queen Elizabeth II and Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso continued to express their condolences for her passing.

Queen Elizabeth II sent a formal notice to the Office of the President to convey her condolences, while Prime Minister Aso, who earlier sent a message expressing his deepest sympathies and the Japanese people’s greatest respect for Aquino, went out of his way and signed the Book of Condolence at the Philippine embassy in Tokyo on August 4.

Japanese Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone expressed his condolences to his counterpart, Secretary Alberto Romulo.

In Malaysia, Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Lee Chee Leong signed the Book of Condolence at the Philippine embassy in Kuala Lumpur on August 4 and called President Aquino an “extraordinary leader.”

Earlier that day, Members of Parliament Teresa Kok and Lim Lip Eng led a delegation of the Democratic Action Party (DAP), a component party of the political coalition Pakatan Rakyat to the embassy to express their sympathies.

“To us in DAP, she will always be one of our greatest heroes of democracy. We have been inspired by her unrelwenting spirit in freeing Philippines from oppression,” said Kok.

The Malaysian officials were received by Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Victoriano Lecaros and other embassy officials.