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C H A P T E R T H I RT E E N A Wrongful Accusation from the time I began the mission, one of the first things I did on arriving at my office every morning was ascertain the security situation through the MINUSTAH centre of operations.After that, I would spend some time reading the Chilean newspapers on the Internet. Also, the army issued a daily news bulletin with a press summary and distributed it on the Internet to all overseas personnel. In late September 2005 I read an article in a Santiago newspaper with this heading:“General Aldunate, second in command of the UN in Haiti, was part of the Mulchén brigade of the National Intelligence Operation (DINA) and could be involved in the murder of Carmelo Soria.” The article suggested that a former agent of this intelligence organization, a retired sergeant major, had stated that “in that unit [the Mulchén brigade] there had been a man named Aldunate Herman who was a Lieutenant.” The same article included background information that that unit had been involved in the death of a former officer of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (CEPAL) in Chile. I immediately thought this was absurd– –I had never been in that organization , so my army file would defeat the accusation. However, I was surprised that the information had been released while I was on a UN mission. I had led a public life, especially during my years as a professor and when I headed the Field Department of the Army War Academy, where my tasks included organizing (with other officers) various seminars that had national 173 174 B A C K PA C K S F U L L O F H O P E consequences. I had also taken part with other officials in several academic events with social and political activists involved in civilian–military relations. And I had published articles in the national press. I had even more questions about the timing of this situation – – that is, while I was abroad on an international mission– –since I had previously been commander of a regiment as well as head of both the Paratrooper School and Special Forces. That is why I had appeared many times in the press. I had been a public figure who could be reached at any time. After my commission abroad, I had been promoted to general. Because of the issues I handled at the Office for National Mobilization– –I was the country ’s authority on arms control and military service, among other things– –I was constantly in the media. The newspaper indicated that my possible link with DINA had appeared in an extrajudicial statement made in 1993 by the retired sergeant major. In this statement, which was more than 12 pages long, he mentioned my name in only one line. “Why is this coming out now?” I wondered. “Why me?” But at the same time, I was sure that because the suggestion was so absurd, it would be cleared up quickly. I was wrong. The issue made it into the news in early October and became headlines when the daughter of the person affected by this incident launched an active publicity campaign, which some politicians and civil rights activists joined. Knowing this, I left for Ambassador Valdés’s office and told him what was happening. I remember that morning well, and what I said to him: “Ambassador , this accusation is false and unfair. I am not responsible for the charges being made against me and I am willing to appear before the Supreme Court of my country to clarify the situation.” Looking steadily at me, he replied, “General, I believe you, don’t worry”. But I was worried, so I went to the Chilean Embassy to speak to Ambassador Young. I explained the situation, which he already knew about. Again I stated my absolute innocence, but at the same time I expressed how unfair and serious this accusation was for a person who was representing his country on a delicate mission. I told him what I told Ambassador Valdés– –that I was willing to immediately appear before the court in my country to clarify matters. As the days went by the accusation found wings. At MINUSTAH headquarters , rumours were spreading. Ambassador Valdés asked me for a written statement on the situation, which he sent to UN Headquarters in New York. That same afternoon we had a meeting...

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