US: Maggie 'champion of liberty'

Juan Gabriel Valdes, a former minister in the Chilean government, has spoken of the close relationship between Margaret Thatcher and Augusto Pinochet.

He told the ‘24 Horas’ channel: “There was a very close relationship between the government of Margaret Thatcher and the Chilean dictatorship…

“She was never overly pre-occupied with the issue of human rights, but rather by what she perceived as the defence of freedom, which was basically a free market.

"She had a shared vision with General Pinochet, no doubt, and also with other dictators in the world.”

Meanwhile, Argentina president Cristina Kirchner is reported to have stayed silent on Baroness Thatcher’s death.

The leader of Argentina’s Falklands veterans said Thatcher had died “unpunished, without ever being judged”.

The son of Augusto Pinochet said the former Chilean dictator had a very good relationship with Margaret Thatcher because “she recognised his capacity to govern”.

According to Chilean newspaper La Tercera, Augusto Pinochet Hiriart said: “I think Thatcher recognised my father’s capacity to govern and that’s what made them have a very good relationship.”

In the 1980s Margaret Thatcher strode onto the world stage alongside US President Ronald Reagan - who became a political and personal friend.

Recognition of her importance as international leader was reflected in the warmth of today's transatlantic tributes.

ITV News Washington Correspondent Robert Moore reports.

Australian prime minister Julia Gillard praised Baroness Thatcher for her "strength of conviction".

She said: "Her service as the first female prime minister of the United Kingdom was a history-making achievement.

"Her strength of conviction was recognised by her closest supporters and her strongest opponents.

"I extend my sincere condolences and those of my fellow Australians to her family and friends."

Actor and former Republican Congressman Arnold Schwarzenegger has tweeted his reaction to the death of Margaret Thatcher:

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper called Baroness Thatcher "a giant among leaders".

The Canadian Conservative leader said: "While many in positions of power are defined by the times in which they govern, Margaret Thatcher had that rarest of abilities to herself personify and define the age in which she served.

"Indeed, with the success of her economic policies, she defined contemporary conservatism itself.

"In 2006 I met with her in London, where she provided me wise and gracious counsel, the memory of which I will forever cherish. Laureen (Mr Harper's wife) and I join all Canadians in saluting the proud life and legacy of Lady Thatcher."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel praised Baroness Thatcher's actions in helping to bring about the end of the Cold War.

She said: "As a long-serving prime minister, she shaped modern Britain as few have before or since. She was one of the greatest leaders in world politics of her time.

"The freedom of the individual was at the centre of her beliefs so she recognised very early the power of the movements for freedom in Eastern Europe. And she supported them. I will never forget her contribution in overcoming Europe's partition and the end of the Cold War.

"Margaret Thatcher was not a feminist but by proving herself as a woman in the highest democratic post when this was far from usual, she gave an example to many. My thoughts and sympathy are with her children."

Reformist Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev said Baroness Thatcher was a "heavyweight politician".

He said: "Thatcher was a politician whose word carried great weight. Our first meeting in 1984 set in train relations that were sometimes complicated, not always smooth, but which were serious and responsible on both sides.

"Human relations also gradually took shape, becoming more and more friendly. In the end we managed to achieve a mutual understanding, and that contributed to a change in the atmosphere between our country and the West and the end of the Cold War.

"Margaret Thatcher was a heavyweight politician and a striking person. She will remain in our memories, and in history."

Former US President Bill Clinton said: "I was saddened to learn of the death of Lady Margaret Thatcher. The United Kingdom has lost its first woman Prime Minister, an iconic stateswoman, and a fearless leader.

"The United States has lost one of its dearest friends and most valued allies.

"Lady Thatcher understood that the special relationship which has long united our two nations is an indispensable foundation for peace and prosperity. Our strong partnership today is part of her legacy.

"Like so many others, I respected the conviction and self-determination she displayed throughout her remarkable life as she broke barriers, defied expectations, and led her country.

"Hillary, Chelsea, and I extend our condolences to her family and to the people of the United Kingdom."