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| Obama gives pledge on US 'values' | Obama gives pledge on US 'values' |
| (10 minutes later) | |
| In his first interview with a British broadcaster, US President Barack Obama has told the BBC that the US cannot impose its values on other countries. | In his first interview with a British broadcaster, US President Barack Obama has told the BBC that the US cannot impose its values on other countries. |
| But he insisted that "democracy, rule of law, freedom of speech, freedom of religion" were "universal values". | |
| "These are values that are important, even when it's hard," he said. | "These are values that are important, even when it's hard," he said. |
| Speaking ahead of a trip to the Middle East and Europe, Mr Obama said closing the Guantanamo Bay prison was a way that America could set a good example. | Speaking ahead of a trip to the Middle East and Europe, Mr Obama said closing the Guantanamo Bay prison was a way that America could set a good example. |
| BBC North America Editor Justin Webb, who conducted the interview, says the president chose to speak to the BBC now because his team want to reach the parts of the world the BBC reaches - with a message that is nuanced and thoughtful. | |
| But Mr Obama is not apologising for the actions of the Bush White House, our correspondent adds. | |
| The full interview will be broadcast on the BBC from 0500 BST. |