In Last U.N. Speech, Bush Pushes Democracy

Preaches Diplomacy At General Assembly, Says U.S. Gov't Is Handling Financial Crisis

(CBS/AP)  George W. Bush, facing the United Nations for the last time as U.S. President, is trying to assure world leaders that his government is acting decisively and quickly to contain a financial crisis.

In a speech Tuesday at the annual U.N. General Assembly, the president said he realizes that other nations are watching how the United States deals with the financial meltdown that is shaking the global economy.

He said that his administration is working with Congress to come to fast agreement on a $700 billion bailout bill, in addition to other recent actions he called "bold steps" aimed at stabilizing markets and keeping credit flowing.

Mr. Bush said he is confident that the U.S. will act "in the urgent timeframe required" to prevent broader problems.

He did not ask for any action by other countries, though he also scolded the U.N. body for inefficiency and corruption, and said strong actions must be taken against members that fail to uphold their obligations.

Mr. Bush (who came to office unconvinced of the need for international cooperation) also stressed the need for multinational diplomacy and supporting burgeoning democracies.

"History shows when citizens have a voice in choosing their own leaders, they are less likely to search for meaning and radical ideologies," he said. "When governments respect the rights of their people, they're more likely to respect the rights of their neighbors. For all these reasons, the nations of this body must challenge tyranny as vigorously as we challenge terror."

He criticized Russia's invasion of Georgia, saying it violated the United Nations charter setting forth the equal rights of nations great and small.

"President Bush used his farewell address to shift focus from his earlier actions in which the U.S. went it alone on the world stage to a plea for multilateralism, a shift made of necessity because of the crises in Georgia, in Afghanistan and in the Middle East," said CBS News Foreign Affairs Analyst Pamela Falk, from the U.N.

"President Bush also pointed the finger at Iran just hours before Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will get two opportunities to respond, in his afternoon speech and in a press conference which the Iranian government has called to respond to International Atomic Energy Agency charges, which the Iranian government says are fabricated," reports Falk.

Opening the annual ministerial meeting of the General Assembly, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned Tuesday that the global financial crisis endangers the U.N. campaign to fight poverty and he called for global leadership to restore order to international financial markets, make trade concessions and act on climate change.

Addressing more than 120 world leaders and dozens of government ministers at the opening of the annual ministerial meeting of the U.N. General Assembly, Ban painted a grim picture of a world facing not only a financial crisis but food and energy crises as well as new outbreaks of war and violence and "new rhetoric of confrontation."

"We must do more to help our fellow human beings weather the gathering storm," he said. "I see a danger of nations looking more inward, rather than toward a shared future. I see a danger of retreating from the progress we have made, particularly in the realm of development and more equitably sharing the fruits of global growth."

Ban said he worried that nations are losing sight of the "new reality" - that there are "new centers of power and leadership in Asia, Latin America and across the newly developed world" - and that "in this new world, our challenges are increasingly those of collaboration rather than confrontation."

Ban's focus on global financial challenges and new cooperation come in a General Assembly session confronting a host of challenges, including Western pressure on Iran for its nuclear program and continued threats of terrorism.

"The world financial crisis overshadowed much of the debate at the U.N. and the Secretary General's call on Monday for $72 billion for Africa was seen as unlikely with world powers' resources virtually tapped out," Falk added.


On The Sidelines

Prior to his speech, Mr. Bush met with new Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, exhibiting a show of solidarity against extremists during their meeting at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

Mr. Bush expressed sorrow for the victims of a deadly truck bomb that struck the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, and acknowledged tensions over U.S. military incursions into Pakistani territory.

"I know that you, your heart went out to the families of those who suffer and so does the collective heart of the American people," Mr. Bush said. "We stand with you."

Zardari said democracy was the answer for Pakistan.

"We will solve all the problems. We have a situation. We have issues. We've got problems. But we will solve them, and we will rise to the occasion. That's what my wife's legacy is all about," Zardari said in reference to the assassination of his wife, former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

"That's what democracy is all about - to take difficult decisions and do the right thing for the people of our country and our two great nations. We should come together in this hard time and we will share the burden and the responsibility with the world," he said.

Privately, the two leaders must try to craft a delicate strategy to make progress in fighting militants while keeping U.S.-Pakistan relations on an even keel until Mr. Bush leaves office in four months.

World leaders and delegations from the United Nation's 192 members are in New York for this week's opening of the 63rd session of the General Assembly - and so are protestors.

Yesterday, thousands protested Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's pro-nuclear, anti-israel stand. John McCain's running mate Sarah Palin had been scheduled to speak at that rally before her invitation was withdrawn, but Plante reports that Palin (who got her first passport just last year) is in New York and will get a crash course in international affairs.

The Alaska governor will be meeting with the leaders of Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Georgia and Ukraine, as well as with former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and U2's Bono.

Iran's president, whose appearance at the U.N. General Assembly last year sparked thousands of protesters in the streets and an American walkout during his speech, returns to the U.N. later today amid heightened concerns over his country's nuclear ambitions.

Ahmadinejad's speech comes after the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency warned Monday that he cannot determine whether Iran is hiding some nuclear activities.

Ahmadinejad said in an interview with National Public Radio airing Tuesday that he does not want confrontation with the United States. He said he wants diplomatic relations to develop between the two countries and is willing, for example, to cooperate on upholding security in neighboring Iraq.

"We do not have confrontations with anyone," he said. "The U.S. administration interferes, and we defend ourselves."

But the Iranian leader, seen at left, warned over the weekend that Iran's military would strike back against anyone targeting his country's nuclear facilities.

"If anyone allows himself to commit even a tiny offense against Iran's legitimate interests, borders and sacred land, our armed forces will break his hand before he pulls the trigger," Ahmadinejad said during a military parade Sunday.

Iran insists its nuclear activities are geared only toward generating power. But Israel says the Islamic Republic could have enough nuclear material to make its first bomb within a year. The U.S. estimates Tehran is at least two years away from that stage.

Last year, thousands rallied at the United Nations to protest Ahmadinejad's speech. When Ahmadinejad was ushered to the podium of the General Assembly to speak, the U.S. delegation walked out, leaving only a low-ranking note-taker to listen to his speech.

The vice president of Sudan and leaders from Georgia, Lebanon, Kenya, Somalia, France, Liberia and Argentina also are among those addressing the General Assembly on Tuesday.

On Monday, leaders gathered for a high-level meeting on Africa's development needs. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged the world's rich nations to spend $72 billion a year to help Africa achieve U.N. goals to fight poverty, improve health and ensure universal primary education.

A new report from the secretary general said not a single African country is likely to achieve all the U.N. Millennium Development Goals by the target date of 2015.

Ban said last week he was deeply concerned that the current economic slowdown and turmoil on Wall Street could have a "very serious negative impact" on the ability of rich nations to help achieve the targets, first and foremost to cut extreme poverty by half.

Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, who heads the African Union, added his concern, warning Monday that "if the crisis is to continue, it will certainly have serious, serious implications." But he was hopeful that the financial turmoil will be short-lived.

"There may not be easy answers, but I believe the U.S. will overcome, and the world will overcome this unfortunate situation," he said.

For live Web casts of the General Assembly and media briefings on the www.un.org Web site, click here.

[samsel3]

Nothing has changed on Iran. The administrations interest in Iran & nukes is a smoke screen for their real agenda. Their true interests are Cheney s energy policy. The TAPI Caspian Sea pipeline which will go through Turkmenistan, Afghanistan,Pakistan, to the gulf of Oman and on to India & Nepal would be cheaper to construct if the US could go through Iran, but regime change is necessary first. The Russians are discussing pipelines with Iran, and will provide protection from greedy British, Arab and US oil companies.

The Caspian sea area holds one third of the world s oil and south asian oil markets are their target market. The TAPI pipeline was also the reason for the Afghanistan invasion. Cheney s energy policy is the root of all these middle east wars, a federal court judge sealed all documents associated with it for the administration. More troops are needed in Afghanistan to protect the contractors building the pipeline.

[samsel3]

The Bush administration is trying to stop a new Natural gas deal between Iran and Italy. Next to Russia Iran has the second largest supply of natural gas. The new pipeline will move several billion cubic feet per day across Turkey and then either Greece or Albania. The gas export to Europe is being strongly opposed by Bush & Cheney as it does nt fit in with their master energy plans.
China Dai;ly December 25, 2007

January 24,2008 India announced a plan for a 2,775 km Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline. Union Petroleum Minister Murli Deora said, "Iranian ambassador spoke to me tuesday and they are very keen that the project takes shape as it is in the interest of all three countries ". Times of India
China National Offshore Oil Corp, the countries third-largest oil producer, will sign an agreement in March for 3 million metric tons of LNG per year from Iran. Liquified Natural Gas will be shipped to Guangdong Zhuhai Jinwan Corp, They are building a gas import terminal in southeastern China s Zhuhai, two officials at the terminal, asked not to be named in fear of company regulations. ....China daily 1-22-08

[bridgetxx]

Albert Einstein
We can''t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.

[pastdue1]

Required reading for Bush, the Constitution of the United States, particularly the division of power part. Wouldn''t hurt Cheney either, then he would know what branch of government he belongs to,.

[stn_sage]

In the story, it didn''t mention how many nations'' reps walked out on him? I would have thought several of them would have! OR, perhaps they were mystified by the hypocracy of the scenne!?

The worlds'' bully who has spent seven years bad-mouthing several nations and deriding the U.N. as useless---now comes in touting the role of the U.N. and democracy!?

YUP! I''d be mystified by THAT!

[stn_sage]

World Leaders: (whispering) *If those dumbazz Americans vote another 59 IQ retardd into office, let''''s blow the whole place up and cut our losses*....

Posted by singinrich at 10:34 PM : Sep 23, 2008
------------------
You know, I wouldn''t be a bit surprised that if McCain/Palin get in, that''s exactly what some would think! But more importantly, a lot of countries might demand immediate payment of monies OWED them!

The result would be a HUGE sucking sound as the U.S. economy collapses and disappears---figuratively speaking as opposed to literally!

"If anyone allows himself to commit even a tiny offense against Iran''s legitimate interests, borders and sacred land, our armed forces will break his hand before he pulls the trigger," Ahmadinejad said
------------
Sexist pig!

[cattlekate]

"We do not have confrontations with anyone," he said. "The U.S. administration interferes, and we defend ourselves." - Ahmadinejad

Whatever your opinion of this man, the truth in these words is absolute and incontrovertible."


AGREED! As much as FAUX and the SCLM put on pundits which slam Iran as an Axis of Eviel, it is Persia and a very modern and advanced state in technology and engineering. The decent people of Iran understand Ahmadinejad''s bluster is a front to counter Bush&Co''s hegemonious bluster.

[bozworth4]

He did not ask for any action by other countries, though he also scolded the U.N. body for inefficiency and corruption, and said strong actions must be taken against members that fail to uphold their obligations.

Pot calling the kettle black? Pretty well describes the current political status of the good ole usa. But it can be rebuilt and made better.

[easeup-2009]

"We do not have confrontations with anyone," he said. "The U.S. administration interferes, and we defend ourselves." - Ahmadinejad

Whatever your opinion of this man, the truth in these words is absolute and incontrovertible.

Posted by brianbwb at 08:53 PM : Sep 23, 2008

Are you crazy??? NO ONE, not even Russia & China, want this lunatic to have nukes. This guy is absolutely nuts. He said he wants to "wipe Israel off the map" and said that the "holocaust was a hoax."

Geez mix in a history book once in a while.....

[brianbwb-2009]

"We do not have confrontations with anyone," he said. "The U.S. administration interferes, and we defend ourselves." - Ahmadinejad

Whatever your opinion of this man, the truth in these words is absolute and incontrovertible.

[easeup-2009]

Wow I didn''t think THIS story would attract any childish Bush-bashers....

*cough*

[downsteamjim]

It apprears that there are very few pro democracy posters here.

[boatdocster]

"though he also scolded the U.N. body for inefficiency and corruption"

Funny, Bush calling the kettle black... The Bush Administration has come to symbolize both inefficiency and corruption!

[chrisbieber]

Globalist shill W parrots speech to fellow globalists...the socialism they BOTH promote is indifferently ignored by Americans...they merely laugh at him and his speech...but..the socialist drive for oneworld government marches forward..with 8 years of help DIRECTLY with BILLIONS and indirectly with result of "opposition" from other socialist countries demanding MORE socialism and MORE US Taxdollars.

W calls for "efficiency" in the UN "operations"...an "efficient" government is called TYRANNY.

The near total submergence of United States in the Gulliver-like international legality and regimentation is almost complete.

The globalist want excuses for the next President WHO TAKES AN OATH TO HONOR AND OBEY THE(OUR)CONSTITUTION to surrender the last bit of soveriegnty...McCain is a proEMPIRE militarist..so he is ok for them....and Obama is commmited GLOBALIST who wants to redistribute MORE of your/our wealth around...

the noise of the machinations of the oneworlders is countered by utter silence and obliviousness by most Americans LET ALONE THE GO ALONG TO GET ALONG Republicans.

They had the chance to stop the march to empire and bankruptcy by voting for REAL change with Rob Paul but noooo! the SkinnerBox mazecrawler GOP voters ran through the maze and hit the bell for McCain and got a big slice of subsidized cheese.

Thanks guys.

[hazelknows]

That fella sure sounds and looks like John McSame.

[alphaa10-2009]

We as a nation have poured more money and aid into just about every other country on the planet with little or no return... After 50 some odd yrs. of helping others, we find ourselves on the brink of collapse and all the world can do is point fingers... Time to re-evaluate our thinking..."
---

None-- even the neocons advising Bush-- are so isolationist as you propose. Today, isolationism is the most primitive, infantile of responses to disappointment.

And in fact, the world clearly remembers American generosity. Until Bush, Jr., this country virtually surfed on residual good will dating from WW2.

Bush, Sr., bought and paid for a war in the MidEast without nearly the fiscal burden it might have been-- all because he made the American response an act of diplomatic and nearly worldwide consensus. Bush, Sr., made respect for international law the very basis of his enterprise.

Not so with Bush, Jr.. Bush arrogantly trashed one of the symbols of worldwide good will-- a UN-sanctioned respect for territorial intergrity and national sovereignty (principles written into international law)-- by invading Iraq under fraudulent pretense of "national defense".

The world is not pointing fingers, and did rush with sympathy and offers of aid at 911. But the world cannot conceal its distaste for the immaturity, deceit, incompetence and arrogance of an American president popularly derided around the world as a "cowboy".

[tawpdawg111]

In Last U.N. Speech, Bush Pushes Democracy
================
it would make an excellent SNL skit! What if Jon Stewart gets his hands on this?

When you lie so much that your credibility gets flushed down the toity, you find yourself the butt of jokes, no matter how serious you try to appear.

hell, I didn''t even see or hear the words and I''m laughing!

[tawpdawg111]

In Last U.N. Speech, Bush Pushes Democracy
=================
after which the reps from EVERY nation, big and small, could be seen to roll their eyes and cover their smiles with their hands.

[alphaa10-2009]

WELFARE FOR THE RICH?

In the current market melt-down, not one problem is attributable to "big government" or "oppressive regulations standing in the way of business prosperity". So much for supply-siders who preached-- somewhat fatuously-- the job of government is to stay out of the way of business.

As it turns out, the Laffer tribe tried to foist the biggest fiction (lie) of all on the American people-- that their own government is the enemy, and all America needs is a good dose of lessez faire and everything will be better.

Apparently not, from all indications.

Abruptly, we find the stage miraculously cleared of familiar, if buffoonish, personalities. And where, oh, where, are the advocates of the so-called "free market" now?

Remember the "tough love" GOP bozos love to talk about when it comes to Americans who cannot afford health care, or who must choose between buying food or paying their heating bills? Where is their prescription for "tough love", now, when Bush asks for a taxpayer handout?

(see "Welfare for the Rich?"--2)