U.S. presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama reaffirmed support for Israel Wednesday, in an effort to clarify some of his key foreign policy positions.
Speaking to a pro-Israel group, Obama said he believes diplomacy is necessary but not intended to take military options off the table.
The senator from Illinois, who has been criticized for saying he would meet with leaders of nations including Iran, explained that those talks would be to explain the U.S. position and build support at home and abroad.
"I have no intention of sitting down with our adversaries just for the sake of talking," he said.
Obama argued that a safe Palestinian state is needed but terrorists must be beaten back and Israel's security is and always will be paramount.
Hillary Clinton, Obama's rival in his party, also spoke to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC, following Obama.
Both made strong statements about blocking "Iran's nuclear ambitions" and their belief that President George W. Bush's foreign policy in the Middle East has emboldened America's enemies, not brought them to heel.
Both Democrats had kind words for each other as well, though Clinton still did not signal she was ready to leave the race.
But she did acknowledge the prospect of Obama being president, saying the country must elect a Democrat as president this year.
"I know Sen. Obama understands what's at stake here," she said. "I know Sen. Obama will be a good friend to Israel," she said.
Presumptive Republican nominee John McCain, who spoke at the AIPAC conference Monday, accused Obama of being too soft on Iran by seeking a greater dialogue with its leaders.
In his remarks, McCain also criticized the Democrat for not voting to designate Iran's Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organization.
Source:Xinhua
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article