Week Ending Friday, July 25, 2003

Statement on the Inauguration of the ciples, millions of people still live under re- Transitional Government in the gimes that violate their citizens’ rights daily. Democratic Republic of the Congo In countries such as Burma and Iran, citizens July 18, 2003 lack the right to choose their government, speak out against oppression, and practice I congratulate President and their religion freely. The despot who rules the Congolese people on the installation of Cuba imprisons political opponents and the new transitional Government in the crushes peaceful opposition, while in North Democratic Republic of the Congo. I also Korea hundreds of thousands languish in extend congratulations to Vice Presidents prison camps and citizens suffer from mal- Jean-Pierre Bemba, Abdoulaye Yerodia, nutrition as the regime pursues weapons of Azarias Ruberwa, and Z’Ahidi Ngoma. The mass destruction. Violence, corruption, and arrival of former rebel leaders in mismanagement reign in Zimbabwe and an and their participation with former opposi- authoritarian government in Belarus smoth- tion parties in the new Government is a ers political dissent. major achievement that sets the country on Yet the cause of freedom is advancing. a course toward peace and democratic elec- With the demise of the brutal regime of Sad- tions. I am confident that the Congolese peo- dam Hussein, the Iraqi people are no longer ple will be well served by the experience and captives in their own country. Their freedom vision these five leaders bring to these impor- is evidence of the fall of one of the most tant posts. oppressive dictators in history. Today, Amer- The United States will work closely with ican and coalition forces are helping to re- President Kabila and the transitional Govern- store civil order and provide critical humani- ment to promote peace, prosperity, and de- tarian aid to the Iraqi people. Iraqis are now mocracy for all Congolese. I call upon neigh- meeting openly and freely to discuss the fu- boring countries to join us in supporting ture of their country. The United States vows Congo’s new Government during this crucial to continue to work with those trying to bring time. about peaceful democratic change and great- er respect for human rights. NOTE: This item was not received in time for pub- The Congress, by Joint Resolution ap- lication in the appropriate issue. proved July 17, 1959, (73 Stat. 212), has au- thorized and requested the President to issue Proclamation 7691—Captive Nations a proclamation designating the third week in Week, 2003 July of each year as ‘‘Captive Nations Week.’’ Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, July 18, 2003 President of the United States of America, By the President of the United States do hereby proclaim July 20 through July 26, of America 2003, as Captive Nations Week. I call upon the people of the United States to observe A Proclamation this week with appropriate ceremonies and During Captive Nations Week, first de- activities and to reaffirm their commitment clared in 1959 as a statement against the con- to all those seeking liberty, justice, and self- tinuing Communist domination of Eastern determination. Europe, America expresses its dedication to In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set freedom and democracy. While many coun- my hand this eighteenth day of July, in the tries around the world uphold these prin- year of our Lord two thousand three, and

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