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Millions Around World Denied Citizens' Rights, Bush Says White House Proclamation on Captive Nations Week
While many countries around the world uphold the principles of freedom and democracy, says President Bush, "millions of people still live under regimes that violate their citizens' rights daily." Following is the text of the president's proclamation
July 18, 2003 While many countries around the world uphold these principles, millions of people still live under regimes that violate their citizens' rights daily. In countries such as Burma and Iran, citizens lack the right to choose their government, speak out against oppression, and practice their religion freely.
The despot who rules Cuba imprisons political opponents and crushes peaceful opposition, while in North Korea hundreds of thousands languish in prison camps and citizens suffer from malnutrition as the regime pursues weapons of mass destruction. Violence, corruption, and mismanagement reign in Zimbabwe and an authoritarian government in Belarus smothers political dissent. With the demise of the brutal regime of Saddam Hussein, the Iraqi people are no longer captives in their own country. Their freedom is evidence of the fall of one of the most oppressive dictators in history. ?Today, American and coalition forces are helping to restore civil order and provide critical humanitarian aid to the Iraqi people. Iraqis are now meeting openly and freely to discuss the future of their country.
The United States vows to continue to work with those trying to bring about peaceful democratic change and greater respect for human rights.
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