Obama: US, UK relationship enduring
Source: Agencies |
May 26, 2011, Thursday
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US President Barack Obama sought to reassure the world yesterday that American and European influence remains as dominant as ever.
To the British Parliament seated at majestic Westminster Hall, Obama declared: "The time for our leadership is now. Even as more nations take on the responsibilities of global leadership. Our alliance will remain indispensable to the goal of a century that is more peaceful, more prosperous and more just."
"After a difficult decade that began with war and ended in recession, our nations have arrived at a pivotal moment once more," he said.
Obama was granted the honor of being the first US president to speak from the grand setting of Westminster Hall, and he received a deeply friendly welcome. He recounted a history between two countries an ocean apart that began in war but grew into an indispensable global force for economic growth, security, democracy and peace.
His speech came not long after Obama joined Prime Minister David Cameron in promising jointly to continue a relentless and punishing campaign against Moammar Gadhafi's forces in Libya, saying there "will not be a let-up" in pressure to force Gadhafi out.
In his appearance before Parliament, Obama talked glowingly about a historically strong partnership with Great Britain. "The path has never been perfect," he said. "But through the struggles of slaves and immigrants; women and ethnic minorities; former colonies and persecuted religions, we have learned better than most that the longing for freedom and human dignity is not English or American or Western - it is universal."
Obama spoke to both houses of Parliament and British leaders present and past who were gathered in the cavernous 11th century hall where generations of rulers have held coronation banquets.
His address came midway through a four-country European tour during which he's connected with his unlikely Irish roots and enjoyed the hospitality of Queen Elizabeth II even while keeping an eye on events at home where casualties mount from a monster tornado in Missouri.
Yesterday's speech was billed as the centerpiece of the president's tour, and he addressed grave questions of war, peace and economic strain, calling on Britain and the US to meet the challenges together, and more broadly on the world to move toward democracy and universal rights.
"Our idealism is rooted in the realities of history - that repression offers only the false promise of stability; that societies are more successful when their citizens are free; and that democracies are the closest allies we have," the president said.
He called for spending on education and science even during austere times; for more international progress on reducing the carbon emissions that cause global warming; and for a government assurance that people can get health care.
To the British Parliament seated at majestic Westminster Hall, Obama declared: "The time for our leadership is now. Even as more nations take on the responsibilities of global leadership. Our alliance will remain indispensable to the goal of a century that is more peaceful, more prosperous and more just."
"After a difficult decade that began with war and ended in recession, our nations have arrived at a pivotal moment once more," he said.
Obama was granted the honor of being the first US president to speak from the grand setting of Westminster Hall, and he received a deeply friendly welcome. He recounted a history between two countries an ocean apart that began in war but grew into an indispensable global force for economic growth, security, democracy and peace.
His speech came not long after Obama joined Prime Minister David Cameron in promising jointly to continue a relentless and punishing campaign against Moammar Gadhafi's forces in Libya, saying there "will not be a let-up" in pressure to force Gadhafi out.
In his appearance before Parliament, Obama talked glowingly about a historically strong partnership with Great Britain. "The path has never been perfect," he said. "But through the struggles of slaves and immigrants; women and ethnic minorities; former colonies and persecuted religions, we have learned better than most that the longing for freedom and human dignity is not English or American or Western - it is universal."
Obama spoke to both houses of Parliament and British leaders present and past who were gathered in the cavernous 11th century hall where generations of rulers have held coronation banquets.
His address came midway through a four-country European tour during which he's connected with his unlikely Irish roots and enjoyed the hospitality of Queen Elizabeth II even while keeping an eye on events at home where casualties mount from a monster tornado in Missouri.
Yesterday's speech was billed as the centerpiece of the president's tour, and he addressed grave questions of war, peace and economic strain, calling on Britain and the US to meet the challenges together, and more broadly on the world to move toward democracy and universal rights.
"Our idealism is rooted in the realities of history - that repression offers only the false promise of stability; that societies are more successful when their citizens are free; and that democracies are the closest allies we have," the president said.
He called for spending on education and science even during austere times; for more international progress on reducing the carbon emissions that cause global warming; and for a government assurance that people can get health care.
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