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Obama calls for new beginning between US, Muslims

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-06-04 22:29

Palestinians watch a television broadcasting the speech of US President Barack Obama in Cairo, at their house in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip June 4, 2009. Obama sought a "new beginning" between the United States and Muslims around the world in a major speech on Thursday but offered no new initiative to end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, an omission likely to disappoint many. [Agencies]

"Islam is not part of the problem in combatting violent extremism -- it is an important part of promoting peace," he said.

"Hamas must put an end to violence, recognize past agreements, and recognize Israel's right to exist," he said of the organization the United States deems as terrorists.

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"The Palestinian Authority must develop its capacity to govern, with institutions that serve the needs of its people," Obama said.

"At the same time, Israelis must acknowledge that just as Israel's right to exist cannot be denied, neither can Palestine. The United States does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements" on the West Bank and outskirts of Jerusalem, he said. "It is time for these settlements to stop."

As for Jerusalem itself, he said it should be a "secure and lasting home for Jews and Christians and Muslims ..."

Obama also said the Arab nations should no longer use the conflict with Israel to distract their own people from other problems.

He treaded lightly on one issue that President George W. Bush had made a centerpiece of his second term -- the spread of democracy.

Obama said he has a commitment to governments "that reflect the will of the people." And yet, he said, "No system of government can or should be imposed upon one nation by any other."

At times, there was an echo of Obama's campaign mantra of change in his remarks, and he said many are afraid it cannot occur.

"There is so much fear, so much mistrust. But if we choose to be bound by the past, we will never move forward," he said.

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