Former US Ambassador to the United Nations, Bill Richardson, has passed away at the age of 75. His foundation confirmed his death, citing his dedication to securing the release of detained Americans around the world as one of his notable achievements.
Bill Richardson was born in Pasadena, California, and raised in Mexico City. He pursued a career in politics, winning election to the US House in 1983, representing New Mexico’s Third District. His diplomatic skills led President Bill Clinton to appoint him as the US envoy to the UN in 1997, and he later became the energy secretary.
Richardson became New Mexico’s governor in 2002, making history as the first Hispanic leader of a US state. He was re-elected in 2006 with a remarkable margin of victory. Following his term, he founded the Richardson Centre for Global Engagement, a non-profit organization dedicated to securing the release of unjustly detained Americans worldwide.
His work played a pivotal role in the release of several detainees, including US basketball star Brittney Griner from Russian detention and American journalist Danny Fenster from a Myanmar prison. Richardson’s efforts earned him Nobel Peace Prize nominations.
US President Joe Biden praised Richardson’s legacy as a patriot and a tireless advocate for those unjustly detained. Democratic Senator Bob Menendez hailed him as a quintessential public servant dedicated to improving lives, both in New Mexico and for Americans held by oppressive regimes abroad.
-BBC-
