MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Dictators' portraits withdrawn from military academy

In a related event marking Argentina's Army commander this Wednesday withdrew the portraits of two former General dictators from the walls of the military academy.

President Nestor Kirchner and Defence Minister Jose Pampuro were present as General Roberto Bendini personally took down from the Academy's hall of honour the portraits of Generals Jorge Videla and Reynaldo Bignone, the opening and closing leaders of the bloody Junta that ruled Argentina with an iron fist from 1976 to 1983 leaving thousands killed, tortured and disappeared.

Addressing military officers and cadets Mr. Kirchner said that the withdrawal of the paintings signals the "clear ending a regrettable period" for the country, emphasizing that "I would have preferred never having to be here at this moment, because recalling March 24, 1976, is one of the most painful and cruel moments in Argentine history". "May March 24 become the living conscience of what should never be ever done in the fatherland".

"Never again must institutional rule be subverted in Argentina".

Former military presidents Videla and Bignone are currently under house arrest for their alleged role in kidnapping children of victims and giving them in illegal adoption to military couples or couples with military connections.

Shortly before attending the ceremony at the military academy in the outskirts of Buenos Aires, Cabinet chief Alberto Fernandez said that the apparent opposition of some Army officers to the removal of the portraits was "unusual."

"A wall of portraits in an institution such as the military academy should not include pictures of mass murderers and baby snatchers," said Mr. Fernandez.