The US and its allies have not closed the door on a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue but Tehran will need to display a clear and credible commitment to the development of nuclear capabilities for peaceful purposes, President Obama told the UN General Assembly today in New York.
” As part of our effort on non-proliferation, I offered the Islamic republic of Iran an extended hand last year and underscored that it has both rights and responsibilities as a member of the International community. I also said , in this hall, that Iran must be held accountable if it failed to meet those responsibilities. That is what we have done.” said Obama
In his second address in front of the world body since taking office, Obama said his main focus over the past two years had been to rescue the American economy from a “potential catastrophe” with the help of its international partners. “America has joined with nations around the world to spur growth and the renewed demand that could restart job creation. We are reforming our system of global finance, beginning with Wall Street reform here at home so that a crisis like this never happens again. And we made the G-20 the focal point of international cooperation because in a world where prosperity is more diffuse we must broaden our circle of cooperation to include emerging economies. “
A substantial portion of Obama’s speech focused on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the importance of the international communities support of the most recent talks between Israelis and Palestinian leaders. The President said he understands the skepticism surrounding these new rounds of negotiation and is aware of the challenges ahead but believes their is no other solution. “Rejectionists on both sides will try to disrupt the process with bitter words, bombs and gunfire” said President Obama “If an agreement is not reached, Palestinians will never know the pride and dignity that comes with their own state, Israelis will never know the certainty and security that comes with sovereign and stable neighbors who are committed to coexistence”
The President also spoke about the change in policies towards the Iraq and Afghan wars, saying that the recent draw down of troops in Iraq and the scheduled draw down in Afghanistan next July were part of a new approach that would increasingly focus on local capacity building and partnerships.”We are moving towards a more targeted approach, one that strengthens our partners and dismantles terrorist networks without deploying large American armies.”