Speeches

Remarks By Ambassador James F. Moriarty At The Reception For The Celebration Of Independence Day

ON MAY 26, 2005

I warmly welcome you to Kamal Kunj.  We decided to celebrate Independence Day early here in Nepal, since we can be almost certain to have a good monsoon rain on the real Independence Day, July 4th.  (Rumors of my demise – or departure – are greatly exaggerated.)  So, rather than reading to you the President’s Fourth of July Proclamation, I would like to take this opportunity to share with you some thoughts on the significance of Independence Day, today, here in Nepal.  Each year on July 4th, Americans honor and celebrate the courageous action that our Nation’s Founders took on that day in 1776 – the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  With that bold vision, the Founders demonstrated their love for liberty and proved that they were willing to fight and die for freedom.  Americans continue to share a deep appreciation of the ideals that make our country strong. Even today our fine service-men and women are fighting for those ideals and winning the war on terror far away from home.  They deserve the gratitude of all people who cherish freedom.

In America’s ideal of freedom, the public interest depends on private character – on integrity, and tolerance toward others, and the rule of conscience in our own lives. Americans move forward in every generation by reaffirming all that is good and true that came before – ideals of justice and conduct that are the same yesterday, today, and forever. 

In these times where the safety of America -- and of the world -- is threatened by the tyranny of terrorism, our vital interests and our deepest beliefs are one.  It is the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world. 
Freedom, by its nature, must be chosen, and defended by citizens, and sustained by the rule of law and the protection of minorities.  And when the soul of a nation finally speaks, the institutions that may arise may reflect customs and traditions very different from our own. 

We will persistently clarify the choice before every ruler and every nation: The moral choice between oppression, which is always wrong, and freedom, which is eternally right.  America will not pretend that jailed dissidents prefer their chains, or that women welcome humiliation and servitude, or that any human being aspires to live at the mercy of bullies.  America’s belief in human dignity will guide our policies; our belief that rights are secured by free dissent and participation of the governed does not waver.  In the long run, there is no justice without freedom, and there can be no human rights without human liberty.

Today, America speaks anew to the peoples of the world, and I quote:

“All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know: The United States will not ignore your oppression, or excuse your oppressors.  When you stand for your liberty, we will stand with you.

The leaders of governments with long habits of control need to know: To serve your people you must learn to trust them.  Start on this journey of progress and justice, and America will walk at your side.

And all the allies of the United States can know: We honor your friendship, we rely on your counsel, and we depend on your help.  Division among free nations is a primary goal of freedom’s enemies.  The concerted effort of free nations to promote democracy is a prelude to our enemies’ defeat.”

This is what President Bush said about U.S. commitment to the world. 

I would like to stress that we will remain a steadfast friend to Nepal in her hour of need, in her desire to achieve democracy, peace, and prosperity.  We understand the urgent need to prevent the takeover by a violent and undemocratic Maoist insurgent movement.   We believe it is key that the government release political detainees, restore full civil liberties, including the freedom of the media, and reach out to the political parties.   We also believe the parties must respond in kind when and as the government reaches out to them.  We urge the government and all political parties who are also committed to a peaceful, democratic and prosperous Nepal to unite and contribute constructively to the end of the insurgency and the crisis threatening this country.

As President Franklin D. Roosevelt once reminded Americans, “Each age is a dream that is dying, or one that is coming to birth.”  Now is the time for new dreams. Let us go toward fulfilling them with confidence.  The road of providence is uneven and unpredictable – yet we know where it leads: It leads to freedom.

Thank you very much for joining us here today.