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Obama calls for release of Nobel winner Liu

By DPA,

Washington : US President Barack Obama Friday called for China to release Nobel Peace Prize recipient Liu Xiaobo, the human rights activist who remained in a Chinese jail as the award was presented in Oslo.

Obama acknowledged China’s “extraordinary accomplishment in lifting millions out of poverty”, which he said is a key element of human rights.

“But Liu reminds us that human dignity also depends upon the advance of democracy, open society, and the rule of law,” Obama said in a statement.

Noting that Liu’s struggle has been peaceful, Obama said “he should be released as soon as possible” from prison.

Obama, who received the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize, also said that Liu was “far more deserving of this award than I was.” Liu belonged to the “giants of history and courageous advocates who have sacrificed for freedom and justice,” Obama said.