MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chile supports German bid for UN Security Council

Chile's President Michelle Bachelet paid tribute to Germany this week, the country that opened its doors to her and her mother, Angela Jeria, during their exile from Pinochet's Chile between 1975 and 1979.

In a gesture of solidarity, Bachelet pledged her support for Germany's proposed ascent to the rank of permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. Members voted in June 2005 to allow 10 new members onto the Security Council.

"I will always feel special gratitude towards this country that took us in and gave us so many opportunities," said Bachelet from the former border between East and West Berlin. "This is where I married, where I had my first child. It was a happy time for me."

Side by side with Berlin's mayor, Klaus Wowereit, Bachelet praised modern Germany's open and tolerant society. Wowereit himself is a symbol of this tolerance, declaring his homosexuality the same day he announced his decision to run for mayor.

In homage to Chile's troubled history, Mayor Wowereit praised the Chilean people's resilience under Pinochet, and expressed pride that a former citizen of Berlin is now President of Chile.

Bachelet also met with Germany's President Horst Koehler and Chancellor Angela Merkel with discussions focusing on strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

Although Germany's major trading partner in Latin America is currently Brazil, Bachelet seeks to promote Chile as a bastion of political, social and economic stability.

Chile and Germany's paths will cross once again when Germany inherits the Presidency of the European Union and Chile hosts a conference between Latin America and the E.U. Merkel is also invited to reciprocate this state visit later next year.

Bachelet and her mother spent most of their exile in Potsdam, 30km from Berlin.

During her time in communist Germany, Bachelet was able to continue studying medicine. Her studies had been abandoned when she exiled herself from Chile.

By Beatrice Karol Burks The Santiago Times