Middle East/Egypt/US

Obama seeks new beginning with Muslim world

Article published on the 2009-06-04 Latest update 2009-06-04 17:14 TU

US president Barak Obama speaking in Cairo, 4 June 2009
(Photo: Reuters/MENA)

US President Barack Obama has said he is seeking a "new beginning" between the US and the Muslim world. He also reiterated his support for the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel in a keynote address in Cairo, Egypt.

 

In a wide-ranging address, Obama said violent extremists had exploited tensions between the United States and the Islamic world in a “small but potent minority” of Muslims.

  

“The attacks of September 11 2001 and the continued efforts of these extremists to engage in violence against civilians has led some in my country to view Islam as inevitably hostile not only to America and Western countries, but also to human rights. This has bred more fear and mistrust," he said.

  

“So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we

will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, and who promote conflict rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity. This cycle of suspicion and discord must end”

 

“I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United

States and Muslims around the world. One based upon mutual interest

and mutual respect and one based upon the truth that America and

Islam are not exclusive, and need not be in competition. Instead,

they overlap, and share common principles  principles of justice and

progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.”

 

Addressing the tension between Israelis, Palestinians and the Arab world, he said America had “unbreakable” bonds with Israel, based on cultural and historical ties.

  

However, he also said it was “undeniable” that the Palestinian people have suffered in pursuit of a homeland.

 

“Let there be no doubt, the situation for the Palestinian people is intolerable. America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity, and a state of their own.”

  

He said it was “easy to point fingers” as to why there had been a stalemate for decades but that the situation needed to change.

 

“If we see this conflict only from one side or the other, then we will be blind to the truth," he said. "The only resolution is for the aspirations of both sides to be met through two states, where Israelis and Palestinians each live in peace and security.

 

"That is in Israel's interest, Palestine's interest, America's

interest, and the world's interest. That is why I intend to

personally pursue this outcome with all the patience that the task

requires.”

 

 

He said America was committed to seeking a world without nuclear weapons and also tackled issues such as religious freedom and women’s rights.

 

 

 

 

 

Obama was speaking at Cairo University on Thursday as he continues his Middle East tour. The speech in Egypt is being billed as an address to Muslims that will seek to improve US ties with the Islamic world.

Obama also held talks with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on the second leg of his visit to the Middle East.

Obama also said that Hamas that it must end violence and recognise the State of Israel.

Obama landed in Cairo after visiting Saudi Arabia, where he discussed Middle East peacekeeping, Iran and energy issues with King Abdullah. From the Middle East, Obama is due in France at the end of the week to attend the 65th D-Day anniversary services in Normandy.