March 21, 1983
Today, March 21st, is New Years Day in much of the Moslem world. New years, of course,
should be an occasion for celebration. But for the Moslem people of Afghanistan, whose country
was attacked and is occupied by the Soviet Army, it is a bitter reminder of a national calamity that
befell their nation more than 3 years ago. To focus the world's attention on this crime against an
innocent and brave nation, we observe today the second annual Afghanistan Day.
In Afghanistan, tens of thousands of people have been killed, millions have lost their homes and
their livelihood. Others have been subjected to torture and other atrocities, and many have been
victims of the grisly chemical and biological weapons, including yellow rain -- weapons the
Soviets have used in violation of solemn international agreements. The consequences of this
calamity extend to Pakistan, which has assumed the burden of sheltering and feeding nearly 3
million refugees.
Yet, while we condemn what has happened in Afghanistan, we are not without hope. To watch
the courageous Afghan freedom fighters battle modern arsenals with simple hand-held weapons is
an inspiration to those who love freedom. Their courage teaches us a great lesson -- that there are
things in this world worth defending.
To the Afghan people, I say on behalf of all Americans that we admire your heroism, your
devotion to freedom, and your relentless struggle against your oppressors.
The Soviet people have known great suffering -- more than other people. They should be able to
sympathize with the terrible suffering of the Afghan people. To the Soviet leaders, I urge you in
the name of humanity to end the bloodshed so that an independent Afghanistan can again take its
place in the community of nations. The West has no designs upon Afghanistan. We do not
threaten you there or anywhere on the globe. All we seek is the restoration of peace and freedom
for a noble and brave people whom we remember today.
Note: The President's message was taped at 11:12 a.m. in his study adjoining the Oval Office at
the White House.