    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book II)]
    [December 14, 2007]
    [Page 1551]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Formation of the National Council of the Damascus
    Declaration
    December 14, 2007

        I applaud the recent formation of the National Council of the
    Damascus Declaration in Damascus, Syria. The brave men and women who
    formed this council reflect the desires of the majority of Syrian people
    to live in freedom, democracy, and peace, both at home and alongside
    their neighbors in the region.
        The Syrian regime continues to hold hundreds of prisoners of
    conscience and has arrested more than 30 national council members in the
    past few days. All those detained should be released immediately.
        The Syrian regime continues to deny its citizens fundamental human
    rights, including freedom of expression, freedom of movement, and the
    right to elect a representative government responsive to their needs.
    The formation of the national council is an encouraging sign to all
    people who support freedom and democracy. We support the national
    council's principles of nonviolent struggle and open membership to all
    the people of Syria who believe the time has come for change.