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Obama ends last leg of his Middle East, European tour

(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-07-27 10:49

Obama also made a gesture to the Palestinians, pledging active and constructive involvement in the protracted Middle East peace process.

US Democratic presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama (L) poses with German Chancellor Angela Merkel (R) at the chancellery in Berlin, in front of Reichstag building, July 24, 2008. [Agencies]

In a brief visit to the West Bank, Obama assured Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas that he would be "a constructive partner in the peace process" and "would not waste a minute if elected."

He emphasized that what Israelis and Palestinians need is a true and lasting peace instead of a piece of paper, and that it is in Israel's interests to establish "a viable, peaceful Palestine."

Related readings:  Obama wraps up foreign tour with London visit  Voters greet Obama trip with praise, skepticism  Obama urges Europeans, Americans to defeat terror

Turning to another front that manifests the US-Israeli alliance, Obama said he would "take no options off the table" to prevent a nuclear Iran.

"A nuclear Iran would be a game-changing situation, not just in the Middle East, but around the world," said Obama. "A nuclear Iran would pose a grave threat, and the world must prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon."

Asked about his previously stated notion of having talks with Iranian leaders, Obama said he still holds that if it would promote the national security interests of the United States, he would be willing to meet with any leader.

"We should exhaust every possible avenue" on Iran, dealing with the issue with "carrots and sticks," said the candidate, adding that if Iran rejects the offers, then "we will be in a stronger position" to call on the international community to respond collectively against the Islamic republic.

Obama arrived in Iraq Monday morning after a visit to Afghanistan, the first leg of his Middle East and European tour.

The Democratic presidential candidate has promised, if elected, he will withdraw the US troops from Iraq within 16 months, and send more troops to Afghanistan where security situation is getting worse.

In addition, Obama also promised long-term support to Afghanistan when he met with Afghan President Hamid Karzai in the Presidential Palace on Sunday.

Matters pertaining situation in Afghanistan, regional stability, fight against drug, war on terror and enhancing Kabul-Washington relations were discussed.

Both sides had exchanged views on boosting economic relations between Afghanistan and the United States and on bolstering reconstruction process of the post-Taliban nation in the meeting.

Obama has embarked on a multi-stop overseas trip for meetings with a number of heads of states since last week.

The trip is aimed to bolster the US presidential hopeful's credentials in foreign policy and national security, which is considered his "weak point" in comparison to his Republican rival John McCain.

In a recent Washington Post/ABC News poll, 48 percent of registered voters said Obama would make a good commander in chief, compared with 72 percent for McCain.

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