    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book II)]
    [July 23, 2007]
    [Pages 1004-1005]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Death of King Mohammed Zahir Shah of Afghanistan
    July 23, 2007

        Laura and I are saddened by the death of
    Mohammed Zahir Shah, who was King of Afghanistan from 1933 to 1973.
        Zahir Shah was a monumental figure in Afghan history, and his life
    spanned vast changes in that country's political system. He returned to
    Afghanistan as an ordinary citizen in 2002, shortly after the Taliban
    regime was removed from power, and continued to play an important part
    in the life of his country. Zahir Shah supported the goal of a
    representative and freely elected government in his homeland, and he
    encouraged Afghanistan toward democracy and stability. His presence in
    Afghanistan as a private citizen and ``Father of the Nation'' for the
    past several years has been an important factor in rebuilding
    Afghanistan.
        On behalf of the American people, Laura and I extend our condolences
    to Mohammed Zahir Shah's family and to the people of Afghanistan.

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