Obama promises a new US - challenges world to step up

Sep 23, 2009, 21:03 GMT

Washington - President Barack Obama made his debut before the UN General Assembly on Wednesday trying to recast America's image in the world while telling leaders that 'reflexive anti- Americanism' cannot be an excuse for failing to address challenges.

Speaking at the opening session of the assembly before an assortment of leaders, Obama outlined US goals for achieving peace in the Middle East, countering the proliferation of nuclear weapons and extremism, reining in global warming and stabilizing the global economy as well as a host of other troubling issues.

But he sternly warned that the United States cannot deal with the world's problems alone and called on other nations to act on 'mutual interest' and take on greater responsibility.

'This cannot solely be America's endeavor,' Obama said. 'Those who used to chastise America for acting alone in the world cannot now stand by and wait for America to solve the world's problems alone.'

Obama in part based his case on the steps his young administration has taken in response to the heavy criticism levied during the Bush era: Outright bans on torture during questioning of terrorist suspects and announcing the closure of the Guantanamo Bay prison camp.

'For those who question the character and cause of my nation, I ask you to look at the concrete actions we have taken in just nine months,' Obama said.

The 44th US president called for a 'new era of engagement' in a world more closely intertwined and facing common problems and security threats, emphasizing the need for collective action to combat extremist groups like al-Qaeda.

'Like all of you, my responsibility is to act in the interests of my nation and my people. And I will never apologize for defending those interests,' he said. 'But it is my deeply held belief that, in the year 2009, more than at any point in human history, the interests of nations and peoples are shared.'

Obama identified some of the top priorities as working to achieve an Israeli-Palestinian settlement, confronting Iran and North Korea over their nuclear ambitions and reducing stockpiles of nuclear weapons.

One day after holding a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Obama acknowledged that reaching a peace deal 'will be difficult' but added it was time the world got 'serious' about it.

'I know this will be difficult. But all of us must decide whether we are serious about peace, or whether we only lend it lip-service,' he said.

He sought to demonstrate an even-handed approach to the Israeli- Palestinian conflict to reverse perceptions that Washington too heavily favors Israel, saying Israel must live up to its obligations.

'The United States does Israel no favours when we fail to couple an unwavering commitment to its security with an insistence that Israel respect the legitimate claims and rights of the Palestinians,' he said.

Obama said that Iran and North Korea must be held 'accountable' for any nuclear activities outside of international norms while reaffirming his commitment to resolving the disputes diplomatically. He said Tehran and Pyongyang's nuclear activities threaten to destabilize the Middle East and East Asia.

'The world must stand together to demonstrate that international law is not an empty promise, and that treaties will be enforced. We must insist that the future not belong to fear,' Obama said.

Obama pledged to use US power to end the fighting in Sudan's Darfur region, where six years of fighting have left at least 300,000 dead and taken a heavy toll on civilians.

'For, the most powerful weapon in our arsenal is the hope of human beings - the belief that the future belongs to those who build, not destroy; the confidence that conflicts can end, and a new day begin,' he said.

Obama also reaffirmed his commitment to the United Nations, but said it was at a 'pivotal moment' to determine whether it can dispel historical grievances and forge common ground.

'The United States stands ready to begin a new chapter of international cooperation, one that recognizes the rights and responsibilities of all nations,' he said.