Obama, in Mideast Speech, Supports Palestinian Demand
20 May 2011
President Obama giving his speech on Middle East policy at the State Department in Washington, Thursday.
This is IN THE NEWS in VOA Special English.
President Obama discussed the political unrest in the Middle East and North Africa in a speech Thursday in Washington.
BARACK OBAMA: "We support political and economic reform in the Middle East and North Africa that can meet the legitimate aspirations of ordinary people throughout the region. Our support for these principles is not a secondary interest. Today I want to make it clear that it is a top priority that must be translated into concrete actions and supported by all of the diplomatic, economic and strategic tools at our disposal."
The president announced new aid to help democracy efforts in Egypt and Tunisia. The leaders of both countries were overthrown earlier this year.
And Mister Obama strongly condemned Syria's president, Bashar al-Assad.
BARACK OBAMA: "President Assad now has a choice: he can lead that transition, or get out of the way. The Syrian government must stop shooting demonstrators and allow peaceful protests. It must release political prisoners and stop unjust arrests. It must allow human rights monitors to have access to cities like Dara'a, and start a serious dialogue to advance a democratic transition."
Mr. Obama linked the protests in the Arab world to unmet economic needs.
最新
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25