Obama: Government must respect dissent

MOSCOW, July 7 (UPI) -- U.S. President Obama said he approached a meeting with Russian opposition leaders Tuesday with humility because America has tended to lecture, not listen.

"And we obviously still have much work to do with our own democracy in the United States," Obama said during the meeting in Moscow, "but nevertheless, I think we share some common values and interest in building a strong, democratic culture in Russia as well as the United States."

It is important for governments not to simply tolerate differing opinions, "but also to respect and recognize dissenting voices," Obama said.

"So I think it's very important that I come before you with some humility," Obama said. "I think in the past there's been a tendency for the United States to lecture rather than to listen."

No matter where he travels, Obama said, he always recognizes the leader of the host country not only "is the head of the government but that the society itself represents a larger spectrum of views."

Obama thanked opposition leaders for meeting with him, saying he preferred to listen to them to learn their perspectives and views.