Bush pushes political reforms in Mideast

Sharm Al Shaikh: The United States repeated its call for the spread of democracy in the Middle East on Sunday, and said Iran would not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons.

"We oppose Iran's ideas. We oppose the world's leading sponsor of terror getting the world's most powerful weapon. We will not allow this," said George W. Bush, US President, addressing the opening session of the World Economic Forum on the Middle East.

"The democratic system is the only way to guarantee the God-given rights of justice and freedom to all of the people on Earth. Some say democracy is a Western idea, but freedom is the Almighty's gift to all. Iraq and Afghanistan have shown that democracy is compatible with Islam," said Bush.

Bush made clear that he would like to see change in the Middle East. "Democracy needs political parties, vigorous debate and competitive elections. All too often democracy in the Middle East means that the leaders are in power and the opposition is in jail. The time has come for nations in the Middle East to respect their people and stop these practices. I call on them to release their prisoners of conscience".

Turning to Lebanon, Bush said: "We must stand against Hezbollah, which took up arms last week against the Lebanese state." Bush placed his rejection of Hezbollah in a wider context of opposing extremists linked to Iran, and included Hamas in that description.

Bush remained optimistic on peace in Palestine. "I strongly support the two-state solution, and the creation of a democratic Palestine. Annapolis was a strong start and with leadership and courage we can reach peace,' he said, adding that three conditions are needed to take it forward. "The Palestinians must fight terror, Israel must ease restrictions, and the Arab nations must invest in the Palestinian people."

King Abdullah of Jordan and President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt had different emphases on the requisites to take the peace process forward, although they felt that the present efforts would lead to success.

King Abdullah reminded the meeting that a very good way forward is already on the table. "The Arab peace initiative is a foundation for progress to be made in 2008," he said.

"Palestine needs independence, sovereign borders and a fruitful economic life, and Israel needs true security," said King Abdullah, adding that any Israeli celebration of its 60th anniversary was "hollow when neither Palestinians nor Israelis are able to say I'm free, I'm safe."

Mubarak also spoke of the Arab peace proposals. "The Palestinian groups met in Cairo and came up with some good proposals. I am looking for a response from the Israelis".

"A just peace is the key to stopping terrorism, and if anyone thinks that peace can be found without meeting the aspirations of the Palestinians, they will fail," he said.

"Any objective assessment will show that the Middle East search for peace is not going well. The world has not supported these efforts."