Tharwa - Pursuant to a meeting with the US President on Tuesday, December 4, 2007, attended by Syrian democracy advocates, the White House released the statement below. It includes a direct call for the release of all political prisoners, in what seems like a direct response to the demands of the Syrian activists. As such, the statement marks a new phase in the ability of Syrian opposition members, dissidents and independent activists to reach out to world leaders and get their support for the cause of freedom and justice in Syria.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
_______________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release
December 14, 2007
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
I applaud the recent formation of the National Council of the Damascus Declaration in Damascus, Syria. The brave men and women who formed this Council reflect the desires of the majority of Syrian people to live in freedom, democracy, and peace, both at home and alongside their neighbors in the region.
The Syrian regime continues to hold hundreds of prisoners of conscience and has arrested more than thirty National Council members in the past few days. All those detained should be released immediately.
The Syrian regime continues to deny its citizens fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression, freedom of movement, and the right to elect a representative government responsive to their needs. The formation of the National Council is an encouraging sign to all people who support freedom and democracy. We support the National Council's principles of non-violent struggle and open membership to all the people of Syria who believe the time has come for change.
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