Captive Nations Week, 2016

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 140 (Thursday, July 21, 2016)]

[Presidential Documents]

[Pages 47685-47686]

From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[FR Doc No: 2016-17438]

[[Page 47683]]

Vol. 81

Thursday,

No. 140

July 21, 2016

Part IV

The President

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Proclamation 9469--Captive Nations Week, 2016

Proclamation 9470--Honoring the Victims of the Attack in Baton Rouge,

Louisiana

Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 81 , No. 140 / Thursday, July 21, 2016 /

Presidential Documents

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Title 3--

The President

[[Page 47685]]

Proclamation 9469 of July 18, 2016

Captive Nations Week, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Since our earliest days, the United States has worked

to uphold the rights enshrined in our founding

documents. The ideals that sparked our revolution find

their truest expression in democracy, and our enduring

belief in the right to self-govern is not limited to

our borders--we believe the human impulse toward

freedom is universal. During Captive Nations Week, we

recognize the inherent dignity of all people, and we

renew our support for those struggling under oppressive

regimes and striving to secure the blessings of liberty

for themselves and their posterity.

our borders--we believe the human impulse toward

freedom is universal. During Captive Nations Week, we

recognize the inherent dignity of all people, and we

renew our support for those struggling under oppressive

regimes and striving to secure the blessings of liberty

for themselves and their posterity.

After World War II, America joined with other nations

to remake the world--to rebuild, to forge a new

international order, and to advance a more just and

lasting peace. And following a decades-long Cold War,

with strength and resolve and the power of our ideals,

we rejoiced as an Iron Curtain was brought down and a

new beginning was set in motion. But although more

people live in democracies today--and despite the fact

that we are witness to the most peaceful and prosperous

era in human history--such progress is not inevitable,

and dangerous forces threaten to pull the world

backward.

We must bolster our commitment to upholding freedom and

democracy wherever they are jeopardized. That means

ensuring the people of Ukraine have the right to choose

their own destiny and ensure their independence; it

means helping the millions of those displaced from

Syria seek a better and safer future, while continuing

our efforts to bring an end to this brutal conflict and

destroy ISIL. It also means discussing our differences

with nations more directly

se

their own destiny and ensure their independence; it

means helping the millions of those displaced from

Syria seek a better and safer future, while continuing

our efforts to bring an end to this brutal conflict and

destroy ISIL. It also means discussing our differences

with nations more directly. And we have opened a new

chapter in our relationship with Cuba, which includes

direct engagement with their government on human rights

and steps to empower and create opportunity for the

Cuban people.

Around the world, a new generation of young people--

connected by technology and driven by idealism and a

willingness to stand up for their beliefs--is calling

for more accountability in government. As heirs to a

struggle for freedom that has long defined our

character, Americans must lead by example and chart new

paths to liberty and opportunity. We will continue to

stand for equality and dignity beyond our borders and

encourage economic and political reforms that foster

democracy. And we remain dedicated to leading and

working with others to build security, prosperity, and

justice, and to fighting for any person still suffering

under the grasp of tyranny.

This week, let us rededicate ourselves to broadening

democracy's reach and promoting its true pillars--the

rule of law, fair elections, a free press, and a

vibrant civil society. As we work to lift up the lives

of those whose governments still rule by fear and

intimidation, let us stay vigilant in defense of

democratic values and the ideals that keep us free.

democracy's reach and promoting its true pillars--the

rule of law, fair elections, a free press, and a

vibrant civil society. As we work to lift up the lives

of those whose governments still rule by fear and

intimidation, let us stay vigilant in defense of

democratic values and the ideals that keep us free.

The Congress, by joint resolution approved July 17,

1959 (73 Stat. 212), has authorized and requested the

President to issue a proclamation designating the third

week of July of each year as ``Captive Nations Week.''

[[Page 47686]]

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the

United States of America, do hereby proclaim July 17

through July 23, 2016, as Captive Nations Week. I call

upon the people of the United States to reaffirm our

deep ties to all governments and people committed to

freedom, dignity, and opportunity for all.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this

eighteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord two

thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the United

States of America the two hundred and forty-first.

(Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2016-17438

Filed 7-20-16; 11:15 am]

Billing code 3295-F6-P