USAID Hosts President Bush to Discuss the Freedom Agenda

"In the long run, the best way to defeat the terrorists is to offer a hopeful alternative to their murderous ideology -- and that alternative is based on human liberty. We've seen a hopeful beginning for the cause of liberty at the start of the 21st century," said President Bush.

The event took place during "Captive Nations Week," a week where the U.S. underscores its commitment to advancing democracy, defending liberty, and protecting human rights around the world. The U.S. Congress, by a Joint Resolution approved July 17, 1959, authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation designating the third week in July of each year as "Captive Nations Week." Current captive nations includeBelarus,Burma,Cuba,Iran,North Korea,Syria,Sudan, andZimbabwe.

USAID is a leader in the promotion of democracy and good governance in accordance with the President's Freedom Agenda to end tyranny. USAID's work in this field has spanned the last two decades, and the Agency has led the charge at pivotal times of democratic change in countries such asUkraine,Georgia andAfghanistan. The President emphasized that "In the years ahead, America must continue to use our foreign assistance to promote democracy and good government. Increased aid alone will not help nations overcome institutional challenges that hold entire societies back. To be effective, our aid must be targeted to encourage the development of free and accountable institutions."

Recently, the President issued a National Security Directive institutionalizing the Freedom Agenda to offer a guidepost to future Administrations, codifying many of the policies and practices he has put in place to promote freedom worldwide.

The President closed his remarks by saying, "I have a message for all those throughout the world who languish in tyranny: I know there are moments when it feels like you're alone in your struggle. And you're not alone. America hears you. Millions of our citizens stand with you, and hope still lives -- even in bleak places and in dark moments."

Under the Freedom Agenda,the United States strengthens support for pro-democracy dissidents and activists and provides assistance to emerging democracies seeking to build institutions that sustain liberty. The President has more than doubled funding for democracy, governance, and human rights programs since taking office, and his Budget continues to increase funding in these areas. The Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Request includes funding to strengthen governance and the rule of law and foster independent media, democratic political parties, voter education, election monitoring, and human rights. This budget requests $1.72 billion for these activities, up from approximately $1.36 billion in Fiscal Year 2008 and $650 million in Fiscal Year 2001.

For more information about USAID and its democracy and governance programs please visit: www.usaid.gov.

The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, have provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for nearly 50 years.

CONTACT: USAID Public Information: 202-712-4810

SOURCE U.S. Agency for International Development

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