Obama: U.S., Britain at 'pivotal moment'

LONDON, May 25 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama told the British Parliament Wednesday the United States and Britain have arrived at "a pivotal moment."

"Today, after a difficult decade that began with war and ended in recession, our nations have arrived at a pivotal moment once more," Obama said. "A global economy that once stood on the brink of depression is now stable and recovering. After years of conflict, the United States has removed 100,000 troops from Iraq, the United Kingdom has removed its forces and our combat mission there has ended. In Afghanistan, we've broken the Taliban's momentum and will soon begin a transition to Afghan lead. And nearly 10 years after (the Sept. 11 terror attacks), we have disrupted terrorist networks and dealt al-Qaida a huge blow by killing its leader, Osama bin Laden."

Obama, who was in the middle of a six-day European trip, said current "challenges come at a time when the international order has already been reshaped for a new century. Countries like China, India and Brazil are growing by leaps and bounds. We should welcome this development, for it has lifted hundreds of millions from poverty around the globe, and created new markets and opportunities for our own nations.

"And yet, as this rapid change has taken place, it's become fashionable in some quarters to question whether the rise of these nations will accompany the decline of American and European influence around the world," he added. "Perhaps, the argument goes, these nations represent the future, and the time for our leadership has passed.

"That argument is wrong," Obama insisted. "The time for our leadership is now. It was the United States and the United Kingdom and our democratic allies that shaped a world in which new nations could emerge and individuals could thrive. And even as more nations take on the responsibilities of global leadership, our alliance will remain indispensable to the goal of a century that is more peaceful, more prosperous and more just."

Obama said the United States and Britain "remain the greatest catalysts for global action. In an era defined by the rapid flow of commerce and information, it is our free market tradition, our openness, fortified by our commitment to basic security for our citizens, that offers the best chance of prosperity that is both strong and shared."

The president told Parliament, "Today, we confront a different enemy. Terrorists have taken the lives of our citizens in New York and in London. And while al-Qaida seeks a religious war with the West, we must remember that they have killed thousands of Muslims -- men, women and children -- around the globe. Our nations are not and will never be at war with Islam. Our fight is focused on defeating al-Qaida and its extremist allies. In that effort, we will not relent, as Osama bin Laden and his followers have learned."

Obama paid tribute to coalition forces fighting in Afghanistan. "Because of them, we have broken the Taliban's momentum. Because of them, we have built the capacity of Afghan security forces. And because of them, we are now preparing to turn a corner in Afghanistan by transitioning to Afghan lead."

The president said the United States and Europe "share a common interest in stopping the spread of nuclear weapons. ... From North Korea to Iran, we've sent a message that those who flaunt their obligations will face consequences -- which is why America and the European Union just recently strengthened our sanctions on Iran, in large part because of the leadership of the United Kingdom and the United States."

As for democracy movements in the Muslim world, Obama said, "Let there be no doubt: The United States and United Kingdom stand squarely on the side of those who long to be free."

Obama said there is one "quality that I believe makes the United States and the United Kingdom indispensable to this moment in history. And that is how we define ourselves as nations."

"Unlike most countries in the world, we do not define citizenship based on race or ethnicity," he said. "Being American or British is not about belonging to a certain group; it's about believing in a certain set of ideals -- the rights of individuals, the rule of law."

Obama ended to applause: "With courage and purpose, with humility and with hope, with faith in the promise of tomorrow, let us march straightforward together, enduring allies in the cause of a world that is more peaceful, more prosperous, and more just."

Earlier, Obama and Prime Minister David Cameron announced six areas "where the United Kingdom and the United States will strengthen our cooperation in the coming months. They span security and support to Armed Forces personnel; commitments to collaboration in science, higher education, volunteerism and international development; and the development of cyberspace," a statement said.

The announcement called for a U.S.-U.K. "Partnership for Global Development" to advance economic growth, prevent conflict in fragile states, improve global health particularly for girls and women, and mitigate the effects of climate change.

A "U.S. Peace Corps and VSO Partnership on Volunteerism" joint fact sheet was released to promote volunteering, increased cooperation in cyberspace, and analyzing future challenges in the global economic and security environment.