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Mujica ‘deepest apologies’ to Cristina Fernandez for the ‘coarse, jail-language’

Friday, April 12th 2013 - 06:50 UTC
Full article 64 comments

“My deepest apologies to those whom I might have hurt with my words in recent days” said Uruguayan president Jose Mujica in his daily broadcast on Thursday, the first public apology for the controversial expressions he used last week to refer to Argentine president Cristina Fernandez and her late husband Nestor Kirchner. Read full article

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  • Faz

    How embarrassing, it rumbles on and on... Sometimes its better to just let gaffes like this lie. Still, with diplomatic genius H Timerman on the job feathers will soon be smoothed and it will soon be all forgotten...ahem!

    Apr 12th, 2013 - 07:54 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Stevie

    Sorry Mujica, that one us on you... We still love you though, as no former President has done so much for our people as you have either. Just as Kirchner's.

    I wonder, now that MP blames the Tupamaros for the junta in Uruguay... Doesn't MP know that the Tupas were beaten and their leaders in jail when the dictatorship was imposed. Surely they know that...
    Furthermore, are the Tupas responsable for the juntas in Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina and Chile as well. Or those were mere coincidences?

    I'm only asking MP, because Latam already knows the answers...

    Apr 12th, 2013 - 08:30 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • stick up your junta

    I can’t remember my phone number or that of my wife and with great efforts that of my secretary”, confessed Mujica.

    And hes running a fucking country :-)))))))))))

    Apr 12th, 2013 - 09:04 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • golfcronie

    @3
    Only in Latam, what about the twat with a birds nest on his head, are they all crazy down there?

    Apr 12th, 2013 - 09:23 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Anbar

    “””And hes running a fucking country :-)))))))))))“”“”

    much better than CFK is running hers.

    which says a lot.

    I Like Mujica, I think he has a very sly wit and is a lot cleverer than people give him credit for.... he left this “apology” about the perfect length of time so that his people know he meant everything he said, a few opinion polls were out showing support for his comments, and then he closes the “diplomatic” recriminations through an apology piece which is, by its delay, perfectly timed to allow the insult to remain, but without any public possibility of Argentina getting publicly annoyed over it without having to escalate the disagreement.

    So, in effect, he just got clean-away with ridiculing and slagging-off CFK & hubby.

    Brilliant really.

    Apr 12th, 2013 - 09:29 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • slattzzz

    Good to see he mentions ze fatherland Ya

    Apr 12th, 2013 - 10:12 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • RICO

    Comment removed by the editor.

    Apr 12th, 2013 - 10:42 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Conqueror

    @5 I still say he's a frightened, senile, old man. And a wimp.

    Apr 12th, 2013 - 10:47 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • GeoffWard2

    He apologised for the tenor of his statements.
    He did not apologise for the truth of them.
    Subtle politicing when you have a big neighbour.

    Apr 12th, 2013 - 10:53 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • yankeeboy

    So ait Stevie are you admitting he said unflattering words about the bag lady in BA and her googly eyed husband?
    Gasp!! For days you have been saying thos words were all in love and brotherhood.
    I am shocked! Shocked I tell you!!

    You make me twist in laughter every day. Thank you for participating in this forum.

    Apr 12th, 2013 - 11:22 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Stevie

    Old and one-eyed are not

    Apr 12th, 2013 - 11:31 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • yankeeboy

    You are making me twist with laughter.

    Apr 12th, 2013 - 11:39 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • ChrisR

    Roll on the election, not long now.

    Apr 12th, 2013 - 12:00 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • d1eg0

    I don't know why Mercopress does not say anything about this. Two scary news about Argentina:

    “Carrió says Gov't 'abolishing institutions' like it did in last military dictatorship”
    http://www.buenosairesherald.com/article/128466/carri%C3%B3-says-govt-abolishing-institutions-like-it-did-in-last-military-dictatorship

    “Opposition leaders sign statement against judicial reform”
    http://www.buenosairesherald.com/article/128466/carri%C3%B3-says-govt-abolishing-institutions-like-it-did-in-last-military-dictatorship

    It's scary for us, Argentine people, of course. The Republic is in danger, Fascism is coming.

    Apr 12th, 2013 - 12:30 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • yankeeboy

    Fascism is coming. (er its already there)

    If you are just seeing this now you are doomed.

    I have been saying it as long as I have been posting here.

    Apr 12th, 2013 - 12:31 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Condorito

    @5 Anbar,
    Quite right. He has done what he intended to do. It wasn't just the open microphone, but also the interview where he calls K “baboso”, so it was not an accident.

    Apr 12th, 2013 - 12:32 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Marcos Alejandro

    No problem Pepe...just keep an eye on Penguin News in Montevideo :-)

    Apr 12th, 2013 - 01:40 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Condorito

    @17
    ...are you suggesting curtailment of freedom of the press? It's not working out too well for la vieja.

    Apr 12th, 2013 - 01:57 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • yankeeboy

    I hear the next campaign is “Clothing for all” and the new outfit will be a white shirt, sky blue pants and a jaunty yellow scarf.

    Retards through and through

    And people wonder why I spend so much time reading about Argentina. It is better than a Mexican soap opera!

    Apr 12th, 2013 - 02:42 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • manchesterlad

    I see Tinpotman´s glad he´s got his apology..... after months of diplomatic disasters trying to get one over the Brits re the Falklands, he finally won one over a senile old man in Uruguay..........Vamos Tinpotman Vamos!!!

    Apr 12th, 2013 - 04:09 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • briton

    You said sorry,

    But it is you that will regret it,

    CFK will make you pay , humiliate you, and make you pay a very high price for your honesty,

    She needs that very elusive victory,
    And you may yet be the next alternative.

    Apr 12th, 2013 - 06:27 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Anbar

    “”I see Tinpotman´s glad he´s got his apology..... after months of diplomatic disasters trying to get one over the Brits re the Falklands, he finally won one over a senile old man in Uruguay..........Vamos Tinpotman Vamos!!!“”“

    Well, he's got a ”sort of” apology and he knows he wont get any more..I rather doubt any of CFKs mob are pleased though.

    Uruguay 1: Argentina 0

    Apr 12th, 2013 - 07:56 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • lsolde

    Whats to apologise?, he only spoke the truth.
    The night-hag & her cohorts can hand it out but they don't like it when some one does the same to them.

    Apr 12th, 2013 - 08:09 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Pete Bog

    Tinpotman might get an apology off Uruguay, but his aim of colonialism in the Falklands is as distant as Hitler's 1000 year reich-and he and the botox queen haven't been to the UN this week to protest about the UK rescuing the Falkland Islanders in 1982.

    Apr 12th, 2013 - 08:55 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • British_Kirchnerist

    Maybe, just maybe, the prominence of Thatcher in the news cycle reminded Pepe and Cristina how much they have in common, whatever their disagreements, compared to Maggie. It should certainly remind all of us. If only Britain had a Cristina OR a Pepe!

    Apr 12th, 2013 - 09:34 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Troy Tempest

    @25Barmy Kirchner

    “ If only Britain had a Cristina OR a Pepe!”

    Yes, it would save us having to look up obscure 'social comment' pieces buried amongst the real 'news' of the world, to get our laffs!

    BK, is this just another of your infamous, absurd, end-of -thread, throwaway CFK comments to get us wound up??

    You have said before on MP, that your 'CFK adoration posts' are just to get our goat.

    Maybe someone else has something more intelligent to say?

    Sussie ????

    Apr 12th, 2013 - 10:51 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • British_Kirchnerist

    “Maybe someone else has something more intelligent to say?

    Sussie ????”

    Ouch! But then you didn't actually mean that, did you? And no, this isn't an “end of thread” comment; the thread only opened today! And to clarify, I really do like Cristina very much; but yes I also can't resist sometimes winding the hard right types up =) You know, hard right types who look at “social comment” to “get our laffs”...

    Apr 12th, 2013 - 11:10 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Troy Tempest

    @BK

    'Social comment' BK, as opposed to 'news' or matters of importance.

    Or were you confusing this with getting laffs from “Socialist Commentary” from an obscure source ??

    Apr 13th, 2013 - 12:10 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • redpoll

    I think most of you missed a very relevant bit of Pepes speech while you were all snapping at each other
    The words La Patria Grande have today strong historical connections with Uruguays past. The father of our country, don José Artigas had the same dream and almost achieved it as almost all of the northern provinces of what is today Argentina were part of Uruguay or the Banda Oriental as it was known then
    You might take a look at his Instrucciones del año Trece whose bicentenary is celebrated tomorrow. A great man far ahead of his time on democratic ideas, many of which he adapted from the French and US Constitutions
    Unfortunately his ideas all came apart in the subsequent factional fighting and he ended his days a pauper in exile in Paraguay
    However Pepe with his remarks seems to have turned Artigas ideals of the Patria Grande on its head, wishing to convert our independent republic into at best a client state of the present Argentine government or at worst a colony of the corrupt Buenos Aires porteños
    I dont think almost any Uruguayan would agree to that,any more than the Falklanders would like to be governed from Buenos Aires

    Apr 13th, 2013 - 12:14 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • ynsere

    In Uruguay, present rumour has it that CFK is unlikely to make President Mujica's letter public because it also contains criticism of her administration.
    On a distinct but related vein, I wonder why practically all leftist leaders hate transparency?

    Apr 13th, 2013 - 12:21 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Troy Tempest

    @29redpoll

    so you think Mujica has just 'rolled over' and given up any Uruguayan national pride ?

    Why would he do that? Is he a spineless sell-out?

    This is a serious question, not sarcastic. What do the people of Uruguay feel is going on here? Is there just too much public apathy? Are they aware of what he appears to be saying, or do they agree with him?

    Uruguay's stand seems so ambiguous from here.

    Apr 13th, 2013 - 12:25 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • redpoll

    He called her a nabo ??? His favourite word.
    All poluticians obfuscticate the truth when things go wrong I think

    Apr 13th, 2013 - 12:26 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Troy Tempest

    “He called her a nabo ??? His favourite word.
    All poluticians obfuscticate the truth when things go wrong I think”

    Obfuscating the truth? I'll say!!

    My God, does everyone down there feel they need to justify their actions, or their self-interest, by waving their own martyrdom around like they are the 'Hand of God' or Christ himself???

    What a collection of Drama Queens!!!

    Apr 13th, 2013 - 12:47 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • redpoll

    Now now Troy, please dont overheat your excrement!!!!!
    You asked me a question. I think you will find on another thread that 76% of Uruguayans in a recent poll do not agree with the current policy towards Argentina as implemented by this government.You must realize that we havent got the USS Nimitz to protect us nor the Royal Navy and we have to live next to these arrogant bastards
    At the same time Argentinos trust the Uruguayans more than they do thier own banking system.In Spite of the dollar clamp depositsof Argentinos in Uruguayan banks has increased sharply by over 12%

    Apr 13th, 2013 - 01:04 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • ynsere

    I don't think we Uruguayans wave our martyrdom around ... quite the opposite ... what we wave around is the fact that we've been independent for well on 200 years, even with Argentina next door. More than England managed in 1066.

    You must apologise forthwith. Grovel! Try to be nice!

    Apr 13th, 2013 - 04:43 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Troy Tempest

    Ynsere, redpoll

    I know you two are Uruguayans. These remarks are not directed at you, or any other 'ordinary' citizens.

    This pontificating, grandstanding, and overblown orating seems to be a characteristic of several of the more prominent SA politicians that MP has reported on.

    Sorry, ynsere, I will not grovel. Redpoll, I do understand your position, I 'get it'.

    It just seems that they must have no idea how I dignified they sound.
    Better to keep quiet.

    I hope Uruguay is not the victim of some childish Argentine tantrum and retaliation.

    I suspect, though, that Argentina needs a friendly cooperative Uruguay as a neighbour just now as a channel and buffer to the rest of the world.

    Good luck, guys!!

    Apr 13th, 2013 - 05:32 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • British_Kirchnerist

    #28 I was thinking you meant social comment as in discussions on the condition of the poor and related subjects, that is one thing the phrase can mean; the works of Dickens, for example (written at a time of less inequality than today!) have been thus described

    #30 “On a distinct but related vein, I wonder why practically all leftist leaders hate transparency?”

    Which is why they're backing Julian Assange. Riiiight....

    Apr 13th, 2013 - 07:40 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Britworker

    What a disgrace of a president this guy is. If you say something you stand by it, he obviously said it for a reason. If I was Uruguayan I would be humiliated and ashamed of him and this snivelling apology.
    Besides all that, look how scruffy and unkempt he is, he is an absolute disgrace. When you look at Obama or Cameron, they are always immaculately turned out, this guy looks like he has rolled out of bed and thrown his clothes on that were left in a pile in the corner of the room the night before.
    Why do south americans always looks so cheap and dirty?

    Apr 13th, 2013 - 08:47 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Stevie

    redpoll
    What is “La Patria Grande”, you say?

    ;)

    Apr 13th, 2013 - 09:09 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • reality check

    BK
    Julian Assange? Who's he?

    Apr 13th, 2013 - 09:40 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • cornelius

    Mujica the lefty he was trustful but has no ball’s to stand up I could never understand why the Uruguayan cater to the Argentineans they have resources why they do not decouple from the Argentinean economy? Why depend on them!

    Apr 13th, 2013 - 10:06 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • redpoll

    @39 Well Stevie you could start to educate yourself by reading up on Artigas, the History of Argentina, Uruguay, Rio Grande do Sul and the Patria Gaucha
    @41 Cornelius We dont have scarcely any natural resources except agricultural products To draw a parellel,its a bit like the Irish Republics trade position with the UK
    However Crissy is really doing us a favour. She has put so many hurdles on imports from Uruguay, quite in contrary to the Mercosur treaty, that Brazil isnow are main trading partner

    Apr 13th, 2013 - 01:16 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Anbar

    “ If only Britain had a Cristina OR a Pepe!”

    Well we do get to see Cristina on Shawn the Sheep every week.

    Apr 13th, 2013 - 02:13 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Stevie

    42
    That is la Patria Grande according to you?

    Apr 13th, 2013 - 02:24 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • redpoll

    Not according to me as I didnt write it Stevie. We are quite happy the way we are now thank you

    Apr 13th, 2013 - 02:39 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Stevie

    45
    So, what IS la Patria Grande according to you, redpoll?

    I understood it as you meant la Patria Grande was Uruguay + the northern Argentinean provincias and maybe the southern of Brazil as well...

    And that would be utter bullocks, so hence I ask you again.
    Just to avoid misunderstandings...

    Apr 13th, 2013 - 03:08 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Troy Tempest

    @37BK

    ” I was thinking you meant social comment as in discussions on the condition of the poor and related subjects, that is one thing the phrase can mean; the works of Dickens, for example (written at a time of less inequality than today!) have been thus described”

    I know that your brief plotz's are not meant to promote discussion, just disruption and disorder. However, the latest little 'bon mot' you subtly planted in your reply (as is your wont), “written at a time of less inequality than today”, are you implying that society as portrayed by Dickens in the 19th century, was more just, equal, or better than society in Britain today??

    Instead of dropping a little BM like that, why don't you just speak your thoughts plainly??
    Honestly, sometimes I think you are Guzz/Stevie!!

    As to 'obscure'social comment', I am referring to the drivel of tabloid press as opposed to the literature of Dickens.

    Apr 13th, 2013 - 03:13 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • redpoll

    Troy
    I dont think our kilty Kirchernist has even read Dickens Hes just throwing bullshit. A Christmas Carol and who is the modern Scrooge screwing her own people? Have a guess
    Stevie I say again Uruguay has no pretentions of terretorialexpantion though if we ask nicely can we have the Isla Martin Garcia back please?
    No its Argentina who has thier own idea of the patria grande. Falklands and dependencies first, then Uruguay,then Chile and she has already isolated Paraguay. Chummed up with Venezuela too . Why? worldpolitic. Her main aim is to isolate Brazil and then divide and conquer

    Apr 13th, 2013 - 06:39 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Stevie

    redpoll
    You're avoiding the question. It's a very simple question. What is, according to you, “la Patria Grande”?

    Apr 13th, 2013 - 06:52 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • redpoll

    Its a historical event which has been consigned the history books as far as Uruguay is concerned
    So to throw your question back at you, what is YOUR idea of the Patria Grande porteño?

    Apr 13th, 2013 - 07:00 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Stevie

    redpoll
    You are no Uruguayan.
    In fact, you are not even a South American.
    There is no South American whatsoever, be it left or right, that doesn't know what la Patria Grande is.

    A historical event... You have no clue of what you are on about.

    Apr 13th, 2013 - 07:30 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • ChrisR

    “la Patria Grande”

    Another delusional concept of a 'Unified SA' perchance?

    If so it will NEVER happen. In two years I have seen more division and infighting among the countries of the Southern Cone that makes the IRA look like the Irish Leprechauns.

    Keep dreaming.

    Apr 13th, 2013 - 07:59 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Brasileiro

    Chris. the history repeat...again. Cisplatina is one “Tampão” . Brasil and Argentina are two enemies countries. And Cisplatina created for the peace. If Argentina go to Cisplatina....WAR. If Brasil go to Cisplatina....WAR. Cisplatina/Uruguay is free!

    Apr 13th, 2013 - 09:10 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • ynsere

    Hi, Redpoll
    Guzz ... er ... Stevie's best ignored. Whenever he/she's losing an argument he challenges one's nationality. Silly bugger's being doing it for a long time. Suggest you dismiss him as I did. But he'll probably be back in yet another guise eventually.

    Apr 13th, 2013 - 10:48 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Brasileiro

    ynsere, Brazilian music for you!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e72q1T4LluI&list=LLmXPTu1f8AdGlizWNiASx2A

    Apr 13th, 2013 - 11:41 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Philippe

    Mr. Mujica is dead right when he says:
    “Esta vieja es peor que el tuerto!”

    Philippe

    Apr 14th, 2013 - 12:03 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • yankeeboy

    Funny Stevie talks, hopes, dreams of Patria Grande since it is also the name a Chavista news site for ALBA,

    As I have been saying when Stevie talks of ALL OF SOUTH AMERICA he means ALBA (which includes Argentina CFK just has neglected to signup)

    ALBA, the most unsuccessful dictatorships in the world ex a couple in Africa. The rest of South America ( and the world for that matter) looks down on them for the scum they are, ruining their countries and stealing generations of wealth from “the people”.
    Disgusting

    Apr 14th, 2013 - 12:18 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • British_Kirchnerist

    #47 “As to 'obscure'social comment', I am referring to the drivel of tabloid press as opposed to the literature of Dickens”

    Good =) And btw I really do try to promote intelligent discussion on these boards, often against the odds! In that spirit, I'll answer your question honestly and without rhetorical flourish; I believe that modern Britain is, of course, in many ways a much fairer and better place to live in than in Dickens' day (thanks largely to the trade unions and real labourism), but I saw statistics, way back in Blair's day, that wealth was now evn more unequal that day - and Thatcher's, Blair's and Cameron's policies are taking us increasingly in that direction

    #48 “A Christmas Carol and who is the modern Scrooge screwing her own people? Have a guess”

    Theresa May?

    #57 ”ALBA (which includes Argentina CFK just has neglected to signup)”

    Hope she does =)

    “ALBA, the most unsuccessful dictatorships in the world ex a couple in Africa”

    They're not dictatorships. And even you might agree that North Korea is even less successful!

    Apr 14th, 2013 - 01:15 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • yankeeboy

    ALBA including Argentina all have Dictators ( or did until Chavez kicked the bucket)
    dictator [dɪkˈteɪtə]
    n
    1. (Government, Politics & Diplomacy)
    a. a ruler who is not effectively restricted by a constitution, laws, recognized opposition, etc.
    b. an absolute, esp tyrannical, ruler
    2. (Historical Terms) (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) (in ancient Rome) a person appointed during a crisis to exercise supreme authority
    3. a person who makes pronouncements, as on conduct, fashion, etc., which are regarded as authoritative
    4. a person who behaves in an authoritarian or tyrannical manner
    dictatress [dɪkˈteɪtrɪs], dictatrix [ˈdɪktətrɪks] fem n

    Apr 14th, 2013 - 01:36 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Troy Tempest

    @58 BK

    ”; I believe that modern Britain is, of course, in many ways a much fairer and better place to live in than in Dickens' day (thanks largely to the trade unions and real labourism), but I saw statistics, way back in Blair's day, that wealth was now evn more unequal that day - and Thatcher's, Blair's and Cameron's policies are taking us increasingly in that direction“

    BK,
    As you say, ”fairer than Dickens day”, but you are taking a stand against the distribution of wealth for some reason. Is it for ideological reasons, or do you have no beef with that?

    Mind you, we are quite off course here. Back to South America.

    Mujica was obviously caught venting his true feelings. I'm sure he was not expecting an open mike, but it is equally clear that he expected his comments to resonate with his immediate audience, being all of the same mind.

    This will come back to haunt him, vain Crissy must be upset, and even you know how vindictive she can be. Argentina'a pride is hurt publically, that will be used against Uruguay when convenient, now.

    For us, it is a solid confirmation that the united front is really a fractured facade.

    Apr 14th, 2013 - 04:14 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • briton

    Two rules men must learn.

    1, the wife is always right,

    2, when you start to have doubts-refer to the above rule….lol.

    Just a thought boss==honest.
    .

    Apr 14th, 2013 - 07:21 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • lsolde

    @61 briton,
    Sub-clause to point # 1)
    Even when she is wrong, she is still always right.!
    LOL.

    Apr 14th, 2013 - 08:53 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • briton

    mmm
    thats what the boss tells me .lol.

    Apr 15th, 2013 - 06:31 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Pete Bog

    “From Buenos Aires Foreign minister Héctor Timerman said the Argentine government would “welcome” the letter Uruguayan leader José Mujica announced he will send to President Cristina Fernández explaining the controversial comments that flared up bilateral tensions in recent days.”

    More than you got out of the Brits Tinman.
    Be grateful.
    Probably the only person in the world that listens to your crap.

    Apr 15th, 2013 - 09:44 pm - Link - Report abuse 0

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