‘When we think of Cervantes who, 400 years ago, said, “Freedom is the most precious gift that heaven has given to human beings”; when 10 years ago Madariaga called out in this hall, “Freedom first”, than it must move us deeply to see a man among us who answered this call for freedom and gave this precious heavenly gift room in his country which took on the call for freedom. […] For this reason he became and is the authentic king of his people.’