WASHINGTON, D.C. — On the 50th anniversary of the U.S.-backed coup against Chile’s democratically-elected government, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas), and Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.), introduced a resolution commemorating the tragic event. The resolution formally apologizes for the United States’ involvement, acknowledges the resilience of the Chilean people in rebuilding their democracy, and pledges Congress’s continued engagement in truth and reconciliation efforts – which includes a full declassification of documents related to United States involvement leading up to, during, and after the military coup.
In response to the introduction of the resolution, Demand Progress Foreign Policy Advisor Cavan Kharrazian issued the following statement:
“The 1973 U.S.-backed coup against Chile’s democratically elected government paved the way for nearly two decades of Pinochet’s oppressive rule, marked by widespread assassinations, torture, and grave human rights violations. We have a moral obligation to the Chilean people to fully declassify any and all documents related to United States’ support for the coup and the ensuing dictatorship. The Biden Administration’s recent declassification of select Nixon-era reports concerning the coup is a commendable step forward, but it represents only the tip of the iceberg. We strongly urge members of Congress to rally behind this resolution, championing complete transparency and holding the United States accountable for its actions.”