[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 39 (Monday, October 1, 2007)]
[Page 1258]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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Statement on the Situation in Burma

September 27, 2007

    The world is watching the people of Burma take to the streets to 
demand their freedom, and the American people stand in solidarity with 
these brave individuals. We feel admiration and compassion for the monks 
and peaceful protesters calling for democracy. Every civilized nation 
has a responsibility to stand up for people suffering under a brutal 
military regime like the one that has ruled Burma for too long. I call 
on all nations that have influence with the regime to join us in 
supporting the aspirations of the Burmese people and to tell the Burmese 
junta to cease using force on its own people, who are peacefully 
expressing their desire for change. By its own account, the junta has 
already killed at least nine nonviolent demonstrators, and many others 
have been injured and arrested as they seek to express their views 
peacefully. I urge the Burmese soldiers and police not to use force on 
their fellow citizens. I call on those who embrace the values of human 
rights and freedom to support the legitimate demands of the Burmese 
people.