Consulate of the United States

President Obama Addresses the Muslim World

Shortly after his election, President Obama announced plans to deliver a major foreign policy speech from a Muslim capital. This promise became a reality on June 4, when the President spoke from Cairo, Egypt.

Read Full Speech

The U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem is hosting discussions following President Obama's speech in various Palestinian cities. Or you can join us here and send your thoughts about the speech to: UsConGenJerusalem@state.gov 

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President Delivering on Change

After his swearing-in, the President faced an unprecedented array of challenges. He has met them with a bold, comprehensive plan. He passed the most ambitious recovery package in history to address the economic crisis. He kept faith with the American people through a government that is open, transparent, and accountable. And he restored America's alliances abroad, as well as our American values here at home.

Read more: http://www.america.gov/st/texttrans-english/2009/May/
20090526172435eaifas0.6160809.html#ixzz0HHPPwYkn&B 

President Obama: Highlights from June 4 Speech

• I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and the Muslim world based upon mutual interest and mutual respect
• Islam has a proud tradition of tolerance. I saw it firsthand as a child in Indonesia, where devout Christians worshiped freely in an overwhelmingly Muslim country.
• I know, too, that Islam has always been a part of the story of America. Since our founding, American Muslims have enriched the United States.
• We must act with the understanding that the challenges faced by people around the world are shared, and our failure to meet them will hurt us all.
• We reject the same thing that people of all faiths reject: the killing of innocent men, women, and children.
• America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity, and a state of their own.
• No system of government can or should be imposed upon one nation by any other.
• Freedom of religion is central to the ability of peoples to live together. We must always examine the ways in which we protect it.
• The United States will partner with any Muslim-majority country to support expanded literacy for girls.
• The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God's vision. Now, that must be our work here on Earth.

Key Speeches and Remarks

• Remarks by President Obama to the Turkish Parliament (April 06, 2009)
• Videotaped Remarks by the President in Celebration of Nowruz (March 20, 2009)
• President Obama's Interview with Al-Arabiya (January 26, 2009)
• President Obama's Inaugural Speech (January 20, 2009)