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HONG KONG: The United States, Japan and Southeast Asia led international tributes to former Philippine president Corazon Aquino, who died on Saturday after a battle with colon cancer.
People across the Catholic nation woke to the news early Saturday, as Aquino's family announced her death and President Gloria Arroyo declared a 10-day period of mourning.
President Barack Obama described 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.
"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," Clinton said in a statement.
"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."
Aquino was propelled into the political spotlight in 1986, leading millions of Filipinos in protests against the regime of Ferdinand Marcos, who jailed thousands of dissidents during his 20-year regime.
Arroyo, in the United States on an official visit, said: "Aquino led a revolution that restored democracy and the rule of law to our nation at a time of great peril."
Pope Benedict XVI hailed the former leader as a "woman of deep and unwavering faith" and praised the former leader of the Catholic nation for her "courageous commitment to the freedom of the Filipino people" and "her firm rejection of violence and intolerance".
Chinese President Hu Jintao sent a message of sympathy to his Philippine counterpart Arroyo over Aquino's passing, state news agency Xinhua reported.
She was "an outstanding leader of the Philippines, and she is also a good friend of the Chinese people," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said, according to Xinhua.
Japan's Prime Minister Taro Aso hailed Aquino's contribution to friendly ties between the two countries.
"Former President Aquino was the symbol of a restored democracy in the Philippines and promoted friendly relations between our country and the Philippines," Aso said, according to Jiji Press.
"We would like to sincerely renew our deep respect for her achievement," Aso said.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of the Philippines' nearest neighbour Indonesia said in a statement he was "saddened by the news" and offered his "heartfelt condolences".
She was "greatly admired in Indonesia" and "one of the greatest daughters of the Filipino nation," he said.
"She will be remembered as a heroic woman who waged a courageous struggle for democracy and justice in the Philippines. As President and as citizen, she consistently carried herself with dignity and integrity."
Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva also praised Aquino's contribution to peace and development of democracy in the Philippines.
"Her tireless devotion to peace, stability and democracy for the people of the Republic of the Philippines are well recognised throughout the world and will always be remembered and cherished by all of us with admiration and respect," a message posted on the Foreign Ministry web site said.
Singapore, in a statement from the ministry of foreign affairs, lauded her as "a remarkable woman" who worked tirelessly for the betterment of the Philippines.
"She is a symbol of democracy in the Philippines and will long be remembered and respected both in the Philippines and internationally for her devotion to her people." - AFP/ms/de
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