We join the people of Burma in celebrating the release on Friday of dozens of political prisoners and detainees. We are thankful that Phyoe Phyoe Aung and Lin Htet Naing, young student leaders in the Bush Institute’s Liberty and Leadership Forum, are no longer being held for peacefully advocating for a transparent and accountable education system.
For Immediate Release
April 11, 2016
STATEMENT BY
PRESIDENT AND MRS. GEORGE W. BUSH
Dallas, Texas – “We join the people of Burma in celebrating the release on Friday of dozens of political prisoners and detainees. We are thankful that Phyoe Phyoe Aung and Lin Htet Naing, young student leaders in the Bush Institute’s Liberty and Leadership Forum, are no longer being held for peacefully advocating for a transparent and accountable education system.
“For decades, leaders like Aung San Suu Kyi have advocated for freedom for the people of Burma — freedom based on individual liberty, a strong civil society, and democratic institutions and practices. The peaceful transition to power of Burma’s new government and the release of these nonviolent protesters are important steps forward. Significant challenges still lie ahead to fulfill the Burmese people’s vision for freedom, and the United States and other democratic societies stand with them.
“As the people of Burma celebrate their new year this week, we pray for their peaceful, prosperous, and free future.”
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