[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 18 (Monday, May 12, 2008)]
[Pages 660-661]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks on Signing a Bill To Award the Congressional Gold Medal to Aung 
San Suu Kyi

May 6, 2008

    I just signed a bill passed by the leaders of the Senate and the 
House--who have joined me--to honor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi the--with the 
Congressional Gold Medal.
    This is a fitting tribute to a courageous woman who speaks for 
freedom for all the people of Burma and who speaks in such a way that 
she's a powerful voice in contrast to the junta that currently rules the 
country.
    Burma's been hit by a terrible natural disaster. Laura and I and 
Members of the Senate and the House here express our heartfelt sympathy 
to the people of Burma. The United States has made an initial aid 
contribution, but we want to do a lot more. We're prepared to move U.S. 
Navy assets to help find those who've lost their lives, to help find the 
missing, to help stabilize the situation. But in order to do so, the 
military junta must allow our disaster assessment teams into the 
country.
    So our message is to the military rulers: Let the United States come 
and help you help the people. Our hearts go out to the people of Burma. 
We want to help them deal with this terrible disaster. And at the same 
time, of course, we want them to live in a free society.
    I want to thank you for your leadership. Thank you for your 
determination to send a message that America stands with this courageous 
woman. Thank you.

[[Page 661]]

Note: The President spoke at 8:49 a.m. in the Oval Office at the White 
House. In his remarks, he referred to Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the 
National League for Democracy in Burma. H.R. 4286, approved May 6, was 
assigned Public Law No. 110-209.