[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 17 (Monday, May 5, 2008)]
[Page 627]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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.