Former US President Jimmy Carter is Dead

Jimmy Carter died peacefully on Sunday afternoon surrounded by his family at his home in Plains, Georgia, as announced by his foundation, the Carter Center. "My father was a hero, not just to me, but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and selfless love," his son Chip Carter wrote in a statement.

For the past two years, Carter had been receiving palliative care at home. He last appeared in public in November of last year at the funeral of his wife Rosalynn - in a wheelchair and with a blanket on his knees that showed a picture of the couple who had been married for 77 years.

Former US President Jimmy Carter Dies at Age 100

In October, Carter celebrated his 100th birthday. He was the oldest living US president and the only one so far to reach the biblical age of 100. In August, Carter told the "Atlanta Journal-Constitution" that he wanted to "hold on" until the US presidential election in November to be able to vote for Democrat Kamala Harris. In October, he then voted by mail.

The Democrat was seen as an unsuccessful president. Although he managed to negotiate an agreement known as the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, which led to a peace treaty between the two countries, his term also saw the hostage crisis in Iran and the failed rescue attempt by the US military for the 52 hostages held at the US embassy in Tehran.

When he was voted out of office in 1980, Carter was seen as an out-of-touch idealist who lacked political clout as a statesman. Later, however, he was repeatedly hailed as the "best ex-president" of the country.

Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002

Carter built a second career on his ideals as a fighter for peace and human rights. In 1982, he founded the non-governmental organization Carter Center. Wherever conflicts erupted and people were in distress due to poverty, disease, or violence, the former president appeared, having visited more than 140 countries.

In 2002, Carter received the Nobel Peace Prize "for his decades-long, tireless efforts to peacefully resolve international conflicts, promote democracy and human rights, and advance economic and social development".

US Presidents Pay Tribute to Party Colleague

The current US President Joe Biden honoured his Democratic party colleague in response to his death as a "man of principles, faith, and humility". "America and the world have lost an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanist," wrote Biden and his wife Jill in a statement released on Sunday. "If anyone is looking for what a life full of meaning and significance is - a good life - look at Jimmy Carter, a man of principles, faith, and humility," it said. Biden announced a state funeral for Carter.

Former US President Bill Clinton (1993-2001), also a Democrat, stated in his response to Carter's death that he had "worked tirelessly for a better and fairer world". The former and designated US President Donald Trump (2017-21) of the Republicans stated that Americans owed Carter gratitude for "doing everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans".

Ex-President Barack Obama (2009-17) honoured his Democratic party friend Carter as a role model for "dignity and justice". He "taught us all what it means to lead a life in grace, dignity, justice, and in service" to others, Obama declared on Sunday on the online service X. He and his wife Michelle "send our thoughts and prayers to the Carter family and to all who loved and learned from this remarkable man".

Carter was a "man of deep convictions," declared Republican ex-President George W. Bush. His legacy will inspire Americans "for generations to come". Carter's "efforts to leave a better world" were not limited to his presidency. Bush particularly highlighted Carter's commitment within his non-profit organization, the Carter Center. He cited the construction of affordable housing, public health, and democracy worldwide as examples of Carter's commitment.

Reactions to Carter's Death from Abroad

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer had the following words to say about Carter's passing: "I want to pay respect to his decades-long service to the public cause." He also honoured Carter for his "lifelong commitment to peace". The deceased had "redefined the post-presidency with his outstanding commitment to social justice and human rights at home and in the world".

France's President Emmanuel Macron commented: "Throughout his life, Jimmy Carter was a steadfast fighter for the rights of the most vulnerable and tirelessly worked for peace. France sends its heartfelt wishes to his family and the American people."

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi honoured Carter's outstanding role for peace in the Middle East. Carter's "significant role" in mediating the historic peace agreement between Egypt and Israel at Camp David in 1978 will "remain anchored in the annals of history," Sisi wrote on Monday on X. In addition, Carter's humanitarian work was "an example of a high standard of love, peace, and brotherhood".

Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen also honoured the deceased former US President Jimmy Carter as a "lifelong advocate of peace, social justice, and human rights". The US Democrat, who died on Sunday at the age of 100, will be "missed," Van der Bellen wrote on Monday on the platform X.

The Federal President honoured Carter's efforts for peace in the Middle East through the mediation of the Camp David Agreement in 1978, which led to the Israeli-Egyptian peace treaty the following year. Van der Bellen also highlighted Carter's commitment to peace and health worldwide within the framework of the non-governmental organization Carter Center, founded by the ex-US President and his wife Rosalynn.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.