WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 (UPI) -- President Bush urged Middle East states and Palestinians Tuesday to do more to help the spread of democracy in their countries.
Freedom and human rights, he said, was part and parcel of the war against terrorism because it offers "the hopeful alternative of political freedom and peaceful change" to the "dark vision of hatred and fear" of dictatorships and terrorist.
"The United States supports democratic reform across the broader Middle East," he said in his annual State of the Union Address to Congress. "Elections are vital but they are only the beginning."
Bush noted Egypt's recent presidential election and said "now their government should open paths of peaceful opposition that will reduce the appeal of radicalism."
"The Palestinian people have voted in elections - now the leaders of Hamas must recognize Israel, disarm, reject terrorism, and work for lasting peace," he added.
Bush also targeted ally Saudi Arabia, encouraging the kingdom to press ahead with reform efforts.
For theocratic Iran, Bush told the Iranian people the United State stood with them in their desire for freedom. "America respects your right to choose your own future and win your own freedom."
