Susana Ruiz Cerutti facts for kids
Susana Myrta Ruiz Cerutti (born November 18, 1940 – died June 24, 2024) was an Argentine lawyer, diplomat, and politician. She made history by becoming the first woman in Argentina to be the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship, also known as canciller (foreign minister). This happened in 1989, during the presidency of Raúl Alfonsín.
Before becoming foreign minister, she was the deputy foreign minister from 1987 to 1989. She also worked in other important roles in the Foreign Ministry. During her career as a diplomat, she represented Argentina as an ambassador in countries like Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Canada.
Becoming a Diplomat
Susana Ruiz Cerutti studied law at the University of Buenos Aires (UBA). After finishing her studies, she worked as a lawyer. Later, she joined a special school for diplomats called the Instituto del Servicio Exterior de la Nación. She graduated from this school in 1968 with top honors, showing she was very talented.
Important Diplomatic Work
Between 1972 and 1985, Susana Ruiz Cerutti was involved in many important diplomatic missions. A big part of her work was helping to solve the Beagle Channel dispute. This was a disagreement over land between Argentina and Chile, which was finally settled with help from the Pope. This process is called papal mediation.
She also represented Argentina at the United Nations and the Organization of American States (OAS). These are big international groups where countries work together. She also led Argentina's team in talks with Chile about other border issues, like the Laguna del Desierto incident.
In 1987, she became the Secretary of State, which is like a deputy foreign minister. Then, in May 1989, President Raúl Alfonsín chose her to be the Foreign Minister. She held this important job for about six weeks. After that, she went back to being Secretary of State until 1991.
Later, she became Argentina's Ambassador to Switzerland and also to Liechtenstein. From 1998 to 1999, she was the Ambassador to Canada. She also worked as a special representative for issues related to the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) and other islands in the Southern Atlantic Ocean. In 2000, she became the Secretary for Foreign Policy.
From 2001 until her death, she was the main legal advisor for the Foreign Ministry. In this role, she represented Argentina in important legal cases, like the Uruguay River pulp mill dispute at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. This court helps countries solve their legal disagreements peacefully.
In 2014, she was considered for a job as a judge at the International Court of Justice. This would have been a very big achievement, but another person was chosen for the role.
Awards and Special Recognition
Susana Ruiz Cerutti received several important awards for her hard work.
For her efforts in solving the "Laguna del Desierto" border issue with Chile, she received two special awards from Pope John Paul II: the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice and the Order of St. Gregory the Great. These are high honors given by the Catholic Church.
She also won the Konex Award twice, in 1998 and 2008. This award recognizes important people in Argentina, and she won it for her excellent work in diplomacy.
In 2012, she became an Honorary Member of the Argentine National Academy of Geography. She gave a lecture there about how geography plays a role in disagreements between countries, sharing her deep knowledge of international law.
See also
In Spanish: Susana Ruiz Cerutti para niños
- List of ministers of foreign affairs and worship
