United Nations Radio

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the speech delivered by United States President Barack Obama in Cairo on Thursday.

Barack Obama

In his speech in which he quoted from the Qur'an, President Obama called for what he referred to as "a new beginning between the United States and Muslims" quoting from the Qur'an.

The Secretary-General said he strongly welcomed its message of peace, understanding and reconciliation.

UN spokesperson Michele Montas says President Obama's message reaffirms the shared commitment to practice tolerance and live in peace as good neighbours as enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

"The Secretary-General believes that President Obama's speech is a crucial step in bridging divides and promoting intercultural understanding, which is a major objective of the United Nations. The Secretary-General hopes that President Obama's message will herald the opening of a new chapter in relations between the United States and the Islamic world."

Ms Montas says the Secretary-General hopes this will have a positive impact on the peace process in the Middle East and the resolution of a number of conflicts in the region and beyond.

Diane Bailey, United Nations.
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