Viera-Gallo expresses appreciation for "respectful official speech" at inauguration of J. Guzmán memorial

SANTIAGO.- After participating in the inauguration of the memorial to Jaime Guzmán yesterday in Las Condes, the Minister of the Presidency, José Antonio Viera-Gallo, stated that he appreciated the respect demonstrated in the official speeches made by the Mayor of Las Condes, Francisco de la Maza, and Senator Pablo Longuiera.

While making it clear that he left the ceremony yesterday as soon as it had finished without making any statements, Viera-Gallo asserted that it was only later that he found out about the wave of criticism that was being generated by the absence of Michelle Bachelet, especially after the President participated in an homage to former President Salvador Allende on Saturday night.

"The official speeches made by Mayor Francisco de la Maza, the sister of Jaime Guzmán and Pablo Longueira were very respectful", Viera-Gallo told Radio ADN, while stressing the special mention made by Longuiera with regards to appreciating the presence of those who were not followers of Guzmán.

Viera-Gallo asserted that "during his speech, Longueira said that he respected those who did not attend and appreciated those who did attend. There was no criticism of the President during the official event, because if there had been, we would have had to leave".