European Forum

US President Obama calls for a new start

On 4 June US President Barack Obama held a historic speech at the University of Cairo in which he sought a new beginning between US and Muslim world and two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.

Full text and video of the speech can be found here.

Below are some brief reactions on Obama’s speech:

Spokesman for Palestinian President, Nabil Abu Rdainah
"His call for stopping settlement and for the establishment of a Palestinian state, and his reference to the suffering of Palestinians ... is a clear message to Israel that a just peace is built on the foundations of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital."

"President Obama's speech is a good start and an important step towards a new American policy."

Israeli government
The government of Israel expresses its hope that President Obama's important speech will indeed lead to a new era of reconciliation between the Arab and Muslim world and Israel. We share the hope of President Obama that the American effort will signal a new era that will bring an end to the conflict and a pan-Arab recognition of Israel as the Jewish state living in security and peace in the Middle East. Israel is committed to peace and will do its utmost to expand the circle of peace while taking into consideration its national interests, security first and foremost.

Turkish President, Abdullah Gul
"I find his position on regional peace very appropriate ... With the messages and assurances he gave today, the US president showed that he is a constructive leader with whom Muslim countries can engage in partnership for peace and stability in the region."

"His speech was sincere, honest and realistic ... The fact that President Obama sincerely shares and personally expresses the feelings and thoughts of many citizens in Muslim countries is extremely promising." Turkish President, Abdullah Gul
"I find his position on regional peace very appropriate ... With the messages and assurances he gave today, the US president showed that he is a constructive leader with whom Muslim countries can engage in partnership for peace and stability in the region."

"His speech was sincere, honest and realistic ... The fact that President Obama sincerely shares and personally expresses the feelings and thoughts of many citizens in Muslim countries is extremely promising."

Hamas spokesman, Fawazi AWZI Barhum
"It had many contradictions, all the while reflecting tangible change.”

Iraqi government spokesman, Ali Al-Dabbagh
"The speech was historic and important and reflects a positive direction for the new administration (in Washington) and it is a new start."

"The use of Koranic sayings plays a big part in a positive change of picture, but there is a necessity for action."

"The government of Iraq is comfortable with the clarity of the president in respecting commitments to Iraq and the timetable for withdrawal stipulated in the security pact."

"I think there is clear support of a right for a Palestinian state, and their right for a life, but Arabs are waiting for pressure to be exerted on Israel so it can stop its violations in Gaza and the West Bank."

Muslim Brotherhood Deputy Leader, Mohamed Habib
"It's a public relations address more than anything else."

"There's an unjust perspective on the part of the American president towards the Palestinian issue, one that does not differ from former President Bush's and the neoconservatives' perspective."

Human rights Watch, Eric Goldstein
"I think on human rights there were many things that were commendable. He was specific about settlements. He was specific about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. But it is disappointing that when he talked about democracy in the Muslim world he wasn't more specific about some of the problems."

"I don't expect that he would single out Egypt as the host country, but he might have mentioned for example a state of emergency that has been in effect for 30 years. And not just in Egypt but in other countries. He could have mentioned the imprisonment of dissidents."

Institute for national Security Studies Director in Israel, Oded Eran
"The U.S. has always been an ally of Israel and it has always supported us in the challenges we faced. The issue of settlements is an important issue but there are many other issues as well. Israeli government should remove these settlements completely."

"I agree with most of the points Obama made in reference to Israeli-Palestine issue, such as his emphasis on dialogue, his emphasis that both sides should respect each other and his statement that roadmap should be the basis."

Head of the Arab League, Amr Moussa
I feel that the speech was balanced and offered a new vision of rapprochement regarding relations with Islamic states. [His speech shows that the US] will deal with the region's issues with a sense of balance. This includes the Palestinian question, the end to Israeli settlements, Palestinian rights, which must be respected.

United Nations
The Secretary-General [Ban Ki-moon] believes that President Obama's speech is a crucial step in bridging divides and promoting intercultural understanding, which is a major objective of the United Nations. His message reaffirms our shared commitment to practise tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours.

Source: Hurriyet Turkish Daily, BBC and New York Times