    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [April 30, 2008]
    [Page 609]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on North Korea Freedom Week
    April 30, 2008

        Laura and I send greetings to all those
    observing North Korea Freedom Week. I am deeply concerned about the
    grave human rights conditions in North Korea, especially the denial of
    universal freedoms of speech, press, religion, assembly, and association
    and restrictions on freedom of movement and workers' rights. I have met
    in the Oval Office with some of the brave individuals who have escaped
    from that country. I am deeply concerned by the stories of divided
    families, harsh conditions, and suffering. The United States stands with
    the North Korean people in their call for freedom. We believe it is
    every person's basic right to live in freedom and dignity. We will
    continue to support the North Korean people as they strive to achieve
    the rights and freedoms to which they are entitled as human beings. We
    look forward to the moment when we can celebrate the blessings of
    liberty with the North Korean people.