Uyghur American Association congratulates President Obama on his inauguration

For immediate release
January 21, 2009, 6:30 pm EST
Contact: Uyghur American Association +1 (202) 349 1496

The Uyghur American Association (UAA) congratulates President Barack Obama on his inauguration, and wishes him all the best as he embarks upon his presidency. As President Obama stated in his inaugural speech, he will lead an America whose ideals light the world. Uyghurs around the globe share the same vision of an America that acts as a beacon of hope and liberty, and they admire the United States for electing a leader who proudly represents America\’s diversity.

“The election of Barack Obama to the presidency of the United States is a momentous occasion, not only for the United States, but for the people of the world,” said democracy leader Rebiya Kadeer. “His rise to leadership represents the great possibilities that exist in America for talented individuals, who lead based on the content of their character and not their ethnicity. America\’s strength is derived in large part due to its patchwork of diversity, and President Obama symbolizes the ability to unite different groups to work together for future progress.”

In his inaugural speech, the president cautioned leaders who “cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent.” UAA believes that President Obama will be a vocal advocate for human rights on behalf of oppressed people, which he has already demonstrated in his advocacy for victims of violence and oppression in Zimbabwe and Darfur and in his call to do more to reduce global poverty. UAA is also confident that President Obama, like his predecessor, will demonstrate support for the Uyghur people of East Turkestan (also known as Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region on the People\’s Republic of China) and their peaceful efforts to promote human rights and democracy.

UAA is also grateful to President Obama for his repeated calls to close the Guantanamo Bay detention center. UAA urges the president and his administration to bring about the release of the 17 Uyghurs at Guantanamo, and ensure their resettlement in America or another Western democracy.