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Thingyan Water Festival and New Year

Thingyan Water Festival and New Year

Press Statement

John Kerry
Secretary of State

Washington, DC

April 10, 2015

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I send my warmest wishes to the people of Myanmar on the occasion of the Thingyan Water Festival and New Year.

Thingyan is a special occasion for celebration, prayer, and reflection. It is also a time for family, friends, and strangers alike to help each other wash away the past and usher in the promise of a new year -- whether through the delicately watered sprigs of thabyay, or the many other methods of keeping cool in the April heat.

May the New Year be one of peace, security, prosperity, and national harmony for all the diverse people of Myanmar.

As you celebrate this special occasion with your loved ones, know the people of the United States will be with you on the long road ahead to reconciliation, justice, and democracy for all in your country.

ENDS

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