Bush Proclamation on World Freedom Day

(Says Afghani people suffer because of Taliban's oppression) (600)



President Bush, in a World Freedom Day Proclamation November 9, said
more than 2,000 million people still live under authoritarian regimes.


"From Burma to Cuba, Belarus to Zimbabwe, citizens of many countries
suffer under repressive governments. Our thoughts today especially
turn to the people of Afghanistan. These men, women, and children
suffer at the hands of the repressive Taliban regime, which, as we
know, aids and abets terrorists," he said.


Following is the proclamation:



(begin text)



THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

November 9, 2001



WORLD FREEDOM DAY, 2001



-- - -- - -- - -



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA



A PROCLAMATION



During the Cold War, freedom and authoritarianism clashed. Countries
and entire regions suffered under repressive ideologies that sought to
trample human dignity. Today, freedom is again threatened. Like the
fascists and totalitarians before them, Al Qaida, the Taliban regime
that supports them, and other terrorist groups across the world seek
to impose their radical views through threats and violence.


The fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989, stands as the turning
point of the Cold War and a significant landmark in freedom's victory
over tyranny. The Wall stood as a grim symbol of the separation of
free people and those living under dictatorships. We honor the spirit
and perseverance of those who strived for freedom in East Germany and
under other repressive regimes. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall,
many countries have achieved freedom via the ballot box, through
political pressure rising from their citizens, or as a result of the
settlement of internal or regional conflicts. We celebrate the new
freedom in which much of the world lives today.


On World Freedom Day, we also recognize that more than 2 billion
people still live under authoritarian regimes. From Burma to Cuba,
Belarus to Zimbabwe, citizens of many countries suffer under
repressive governments. Our thoughts today especially turn to the
people of Afghanistan. These men, women, and children suffer at the
hands of the repressive Taliban regime, which, as we know, aids and
abets terrorists.


In every oppressive nation, pro-democracy activists are working to
stoke the fires of freedom, often at great personal risk. As we mark
November 9, World Freedom Day, I encourage Americans to support those
who seek to lead their people out of oppression.


On World Freedom Day, we also honor those who, at this moment, fight
for freedom half a world away. On September 11, freedom was attacked,
but liberty and justice will prevail. Like the fall of the Berlin Wall
and the defeat of totalitarianism in Central and Eastern Europe,
freedom will triumph in this war against terrorism.


NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 9, 2001, as
World Freedom Day. I call upon the people of the United States to
observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities and to
reaffirm their devotion to the aspirations of all people for freedom
and democracy.


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of
November, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-sixth.


GEORGE W. BUSH



(end text)



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