Key extracts: Bush at the UN

Bush said the world had to tackle violence and oppression

US President George Bush has addressed the general assembly of the United Nations in New York.

Here are some extracts from his speech.

We gather at a time of tremendous opportunity for the UN and for all peaceful nations.

For decades, the circle of liberty and security and development has been expanding in our world.

This progress has brought unity to Europe, self-government to Latin America and Asia, and new hope to Africa.

Now we have the historic chance to widen the circle even further, to fight radicalism and terror with justice and dignity, to achieve a true peace, founded on human freedom...

This month in Beslan we saw once again how the terrorists measure their success in the death of the innocent and in the pain of grieving families Full text: White House website Watch the speech

We know that dictators are quick to choose aggression, while free nations strive to resolve differences in peace.

We know that oppressive governments support terror while free governments fight the terrorists in their midst.

We know that free peoples embrace progress and life instead of becoming the recruits for murderous ideologies.

'No safe isolation'

Every nation that wants peace will share the benefits of a freer world, and every nation that seeks peace has an obligation to help build that world.

Eventually, there is no safe isolation from terror networks or failed states that shelter them, or outlaw regimes, or weapons of mass destruction.

Eventually, there is no safety in looking away, seeking the quiet life by ignoring the struggles and oppression of others.

In this century our world needs a new definition of security... The security of our world is found in the advancing rights of mankind.

These rights are advancing across the world, and across the world, enemies of human rights are responding with violence...

This month in Beslan we saw once again how the terrorists measure their success in the death of the innocent and in the pain of grieving families.

Terrorists and their allies... believe that suicide and torture and murder are fully justified to serve any goal they declare. And they act on their beliefs...

Members of the UN, the Russian children did nothing to deserve such awful suffering and fright and death.

The people of Madrid and Jerusalem and Istanbul and Baghdad have done nothing to deserve sudden and random murder.

These acts violate the standards of justice in all cultures, and the principles of all religions.

'Grateful'

All civilised nations are in this struggle together, and all must fight the murderers.

We are determined to destroy terror networks wherever they operate.

And the United States is grateful to every nation that is helping to seize terrorist assets, track down their operatives and disrupt their plans.

My nation is grateful to the soldiers of many nations who have helped to deliver the Iraqi people from an outlaw dictator

We are determined to end the state sponsorship of terror.

And my nation is grateful to all that participated in the liberation of Afghanistan.

We are determined to prevent proliferation and to enforce the demands of the world.

And my nation is grateful to the soldiers of many nations who have helped to deliver the Iraqi people from an outlaw dictator...

'Do more for Iraq'

At this hour, the world is witnessing terrible suffering and horrible crimes in the Darfur region of Sudan, crimes my government has concluded are genocide...

I call on the government of Sudan to honour the cease-fire it signed, and to stop the killing in Darfur...

Today the Afghan and Iraqi people are on the path to democracy and freedom.

The governments that are rising will pose no threat to others, instead of harbouring terrorists, they are fighting terrorist groups...

The UN and its member nations must respond to Prime Minister Allawi's request and do more to help build an Iraq that is secure, democratic, federal and free...

I have faith in the transforming power of freedom

We can expect terrorist attacks to escalate as Afghanistan and Iraq approach national elections...

The future of Afghanistan and Iraq is a future of liberty. The proper response to difficulty is not to retreat, it is to prevail...

We must help the reformers of the Middle East as they work for freedom, and strive to build a community of peaceful, democratic nations.

This commitment to democratic reform is essential to resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Peace will not be achieved by Palestinian rulers who intimidate opposition, tolerate corruption and maintain ties to terrorist groups.

Democracy fund

The long-suffering Palestinian people deserve better.

They deserve true leaders capable of creating and governing a free and peaceful Palestinian state.

Israel should impose a settlement freeze, dismantle unauthorised outposts, end the daily humiliation of the Palestinian people

Even after the setbacks and frustrations of recent months, goodwill and hard effort can achieve the promise of the roadmap to peace.

Israel should impose a settlement freeze, dismantle unauthorised outposts, end the daily humiliation of the Palestinian people and avoid any actions that prejudice final negotiations.

And world leaders should withdraw all favour and support from any Palestinian ruler who fails his people and betrays their cause...

Because I believe the advance of liberty is the path to both a safer and better world, today I propose establishing a democracy fund within the United Nations.

This is a great calling for this great organisation.

The fund would help countries lay the foundations of democracy by instituting a rule of law and independent courts, a free press, political parties and trade unions.

Money from the fund would also help set up voter precincts and polling places, and support the work of election monitors.

To show our commitment to the new democracy fund, the United States will make an initial contribution.

I urge all other nations to contribute as well...

I have faith in the transforming power of freedom.