    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [May 3, 2007]
    [Page 535]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on World Press Freedom Day
    May 3, 2007

        On this day, we commemorate World Press Freedom Day. The United
    States values freedom of the press as one of the most fundamental
    political rights and as a necessary component of free societies. In
    undemocratic societies where governments suppress, manipulate, and
    control access to information, journalists are on the frontlines of the
    people's battle for freedom. The danger journalists face in such
    repressive states can be great, and even deadly.
        On behalf of the American people, I salute those in the press who
    courageously do their work at great risk. No independent media are
    allowed in countries such as Cuba and North Korea, and those who attempt
    to report are often imprisoned. Repressive laws severely restrict
    journalists and freedom of speech in countries such as Belarus, Burma,
    Iran, Libya, Syria, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe. We condemn the harassment,
    physical intimidation, and persecution that journalists, including
    bloggers and Internet reporters, have faced in China, Egypt, Tunisia,
    and Vietnam and the unsolved murders of journalists in Lebanon, Russia,
    and Belarus.
        Bringing unfiltered information, news, and facts to the people and
    accountability to their governments is the hallmark of the fourth
    estate. Today we salute the free press for its dedication to the
    people's right to know.