“The United States opposes the use of violence and repression against the people of the region.”
“We support a set of universal rights. Those rights include free speech; the freedom of peaceful assembly; freedom of religion; equality for men and women under the rule of law; and the right to choose your own leaders – whether you live in Baghdad or Damascus; Sanaa or Tehran.
“And finally, 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.”
The comments by Mr. Obama come during upheaval in the region after protesters in Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen, Syria and Libya stormed government buildings, demanding democracy.
He was speaking to a global audience, while not ignoring those in the United States, saying, “America must use all our influence to encourage reform in the region.”
“Even as we acknowledge that each country is different, we will need to speak honestly about the principles that we believe in, with friend and foe alike. Our message is simple: If you take the risks that reform entails, you will have the full support of the United States. We must also build on our efforts to broaden our engagement beyond elites, so that we reach the people who will shape the future – particularly young people.”
