http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=egypt
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Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/09/20070924-7.html
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 24, 2007
Statement by the Press Secretary
Egypt: Setbacks on Press Freedom and Civil Society
White House News
We are deeply concerned at the Egyptian Government’s recent decree authorizing the imminent closure of the Association for Human Rights Legal Aid, a human rights NGO, as well as the conviction and sentencing of several newspaper editors. These latest decisions appear to contradict the Egyptian Government’s stated commitment to expand democratic rights. The contributions of civil society and the free flow of ideas and information are crucial in addressing a host of domestic and international challenges as well as expanding the rights of Egyptian citizens. We urge that any appeals process proceed expeditiously and according to international standards of due process.
Journalists and NGOs in Egypt and elsewhere should be permitted to carry out their peaceful work in a hospitable environment free from fear of harassment, reprisal, intimidation, and discrimination. A free press and a vibrant civil society are cornerstones for any democratic society, and we urge the Egyptian Government to expand protections for journalists and lift the restrictions on NGO activities, including limits on organizations’ ability to accept foreign funding. Restricting the political space of NGOs and public debate only limits a society’s own growth.
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http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=myanmar
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http://www.washingtontimes.com/article/20070925/FOREIGN/109250080/1001
(AP)
“Bush to announce sanctions against Burma”
Associated Press
September 25, 2007
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “President Bush today will announce additional sanctions against the military dictatorship in Burma to support the push for democracy in that Asian country, the White House said yesterday.
Mr. Bush, in a U.N. General Assembly speech, will announce financial sanctions against key members of the regime and those who provide them financial aid, said Stephen J. Hadley, the president’s national security adviser.
The U.S. action comes amid a growing series of anti-government demonstrations in Burma, also known as Myanmar. As many as 100,000 protesters led by a phalanx of barefoot monks marched yesterday in the most powerful show of strength yet.”