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Statement by Mrs. Laura Bush
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For Immediate Release OFFICE OF THE FIRST LADY November 13, 2008

Statement by Mrs. Laura Bush



Yesterday, a group of young women on their way to school in southern
Afghanistan were assaulted. The attackers threw acid on the girls' faces,
and three were seriously injured. My heart goes out to the victims and
their families as they recover from this cruel attack.

The Taliban's continued terror attacks threaten the progress that has been
made in Afghanistan. Today, Afghan women are attending school, running for
political office, and serving as police officers. Afghanistan has more than
60 female judges and 400 female journalists. Women make up 28 percent of
Afghanistan's parliament, and more than six million children - including
two million girls - are now in school.

The United States and our Allies are working with the Government of
Afghanistan to build more schools where children can learn, open additional
roads so that commerce can grow, and provide basic healthcare for the
Afghan people.

These cowardly and shameful acts are condemned by honorable people in the
United States and around the world.

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