國際中心/綜合外電報導
美國前總統老布希(George H. W. Bush)驚傳逝世,享壽94歲。美國總統川普也在1日發表聲明,哀悼老布希。川普表示,老布希總統為任後數十年的美國奠定了繁榮的基礎,卻仍然保持謙遜,給他帶來明確的方向感。川普也提到,老布希是一個好榜樣,即便他已經離世,但仍然會持續的激勵美國人民追求更偉大的事業。
川普1日在推特針對老布希逝世一事,與第一夫人梅蘭妮亞共同發表聲明。他在聲明中讚揚老布希總統,以「正確判斷力、常識與沉著冷靜的領導能力」引領美國與世界邁向和平,而老布希在任內,更親手結束了冷戰;老布希為美國此後的數十年繁榮定下基礎,一生為國家奉獻卻依然不居功,保持謙遜繼續為國家服務,這也帶給川普一個明確的方向。
▲美國總統川普(Donald Trump)。(圖/路透社)
川普使用老布希的名言「成千光點」形容,他讓美國的偉大、希望與機會在世界發光。川普表示,老布希將會是美國人民永遠的榜樣,激勵美國人追求更偉大的事業;他的離去讓所有美國人民感到痛心,他會和其他人民一樣,永遠記住老布希一生的奉獻,並替布希一家祈禱,致上最深的敬意。
老布希出生於1924年6月12日,於1989到1993年間擔任美國第41屆總統,任內經歷了蘇聯解體、冷戰結束。他最著名的政績之一是「第一次波斯灣戰爭」,當時背景是伊拉克總統海珊(Saddam Hussein)入侵鄰國科威特,更威脅要掌握全球的石油資源,而老布希卻能運用聯合國和美國30國聯軍的資源,成功擊敗伊拉克。
老布希組織以美國為首的聯軍,在100小時的「沙漠風暴行動」(Operation Desert Storm)讓科威特重獲自由,並對伊拉克實施經濟制裁,確定美國在世界上具有監督責任的警察地位;而他在國內支持率也因此飆升至91%,成為蓋洛普(Gallup)民調紀錄上支持率最高的美國總統,他雖然僅作一任總統,但在美國史上極具歷史重要性意義。
▲ 美國前總統老布希逝世,享壽94歲。(圖/路透社)
川普聲明全文:
Melania and I join with a grieving Nation to mourn the loss of former President George H.W. Bush, who passed away last night.
Through his essential authenticity, disarming wit, and unwavering commitment to faith, family, and country, President Bush inspired generations of his fellow Americans to public service—to be, in his words, “a thousand points of light” illuminating the greatness, hope, and opportunity of America to the world.
President Bush always found a way to set the bar higher. As a young man, he captained the Yale baseball team, and then went on to serve as the youngest aviator in the United States Navy during the Second World War. Later in life, he rose to the pinnacle of American politics as a Congressman from Texas, envoy to China, Director of Central Intelligence, Vice President of eight years to President Ronald Reagan, and finally President of the United States.
With sound judgement, common sense, and unflappable leadership, President Bush guided our Nation, and the world, to a peaceful and victorious conclusion of the Cold War. As President, he set the stage for the decades of prosperity that have followed. And through all that he accomplished, he remained humble, following the quiet call to service that gave him a clear sense of direction.
Along with his full life of service to country, we will remember President Bush for his devotion to family—especially the love of his life, Barbara. His example lives on, and will continue to stir future Americans to pursue a greater cause. Our hearts ache with his loss, and we, with the American people, send our prayers to the entire Bush family, as we honor the life and legacy of 41.
Statement from President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on the Passing of Former President George H.W. Bush pic.twitter.com/qxPsp4Ggs7
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) 2018年12月1日
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