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Abu Dhabi: US President George W. Bush said on Sunday that Iran is the world's leading state sponsor of terror calling on Arab countries to join together to confront the danger before it's too late.
Bush said Iran is threatening the security of the world and it funds terrorist extremists, undermines peace in Lebanon, sends arms to the Taliban, seeks to intimidate its neighbours with alarming rhetoric, defies the UN and destabilises the entire region by refusing to be open about its nuclear programme.
Bush told the packed hall at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi on Sunday: "Iran's actions threaten the security of nations everywhere. So the United States is strengthening our long-standing security commitments with our friends in the Gulf, and rallying friends around the world to confront this danger before it is too late."
Democratisation efforts
Praising democratisation efforts in the Arab world, Bush urged his allies to embrace open politics and open economies.
Bush stressed that democracy is the destiny of the Middle East and that the United States will always support democracy in the region. He, however, scolded unspecified allies who have withheld civil liberties, and said governments will never build trust by harassing or imprisoning candidates and protesters.
"You cannot expect people to believe in the promise of a better future when they are jailed for peacefully petitioning their government," Bush said. "And you cannot stand up a modern, confident nation when you do not allow people to voice their legitimate criticisms."
Reject extremism
Bush urged the Palestinians to reject extremists, but did not mention the Islamic radical group Hamas, which has gained control of Gaza.
He stressed that advancing democracy and freedom is the core of his administration's foreign policy and critical to US security, saying "democracy is the only form of government that treats individuals with the dignity and equality that is their right".
"Democracy is the only form of government that treats individuals with the dignity and equality that is their right," Bush said. "The United States has no desire for territory. We seek our shared security in your liberty. We believe that stability can only come through a free and just Middle East where the extremists are marginalised," the US President said.
On democracy in Iraq, Bush told the Iraqi people: "You have made your choice for democracy and have stood firm. The terrorists and extremists cannot prevail." Speaking to the Palestinians, Bush said: "The dignity and sovereignty that is your right is within your reach."
Bush is scheduled to review plans of the world's first zero-carbon, zero waste, car free city in Abu Dhabi today, before travelling to Dubai.
Bush's tour comes amid an escalation of tensions between the United States and Iran after Washington reported a weekend face-off in the Strait of Hormuz.
Applauded: Role of women
The UAE has shown the world a model of the Muslim state that is tolerant towards its people and other faiths, said US President George W. Bush.
The UAE founding father, the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, has succeeded in building a country and a prosperous society out of the desert, said Bush in his speech delivered yesterday at Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi where he started his visit to the UAE.
"You have encouraged your women to contribute to the development of your nation and they occupied some of the highest ministerial posts," Bush said. Bush termed the UAE Federal National Council (FNC) elections as historic.
- WAM
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