Sat Aug 1, 12:02 pm ET
WASHINGTON (AFP) – President Barack Obama on Friday expressed sadness at the death of former Philippine president Corazon Aquino, describing her as a historic figure who helped restore democracy to her country.
Obama "was deeply saddened" by news of Aquino's death, read a statement late Friday from White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs.
Aquino "played a crucial role in Philippines history", moving the country to democratic rule through her non-violent "People Power" movement over 20 years ago.
"Her courage, determination, and moral leadership are an inspiration to us all and exemplify the best in the Filipino nation. On behalf of the American people, the President extends his deepest condolences to the Aquino family and the nation of the Philippines," the statement read.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton hailed Aquino as an inspiration.
"I extend my deepest condolences to the Aquino family and all the people of the Philippines on the death of former president Corazon Aquino," Clinton said in a statement.
"Cory Aquino was beloved by her nation and admired by the world for her extraordinary courage after the assassination of her husband, and later, during her service as president.
"She helped bring democracy back to the Philippines after many years of authoritarian rule with a faith in her country and its people that never wavered."
Clinton, a onetime first lady who narrowly lost a bid last year to become her Democratic Party's nomination for president, said Aquino served as an inspiration to her and her husband, former president Bill Clinton.
The country's current president, Gloria Arroyo, was in the United States on an official trip at the time of Aquino's death.
Manila is a longstanding Washington ally in Southeast Asia, and Arroyo was the region's first leader to visit the White House since Obama's January inauguration.
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