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Barack Obama urges end to Islam discord Barack Obama urges end to Islam discord
(10 minutes later)
US President Barack Obama has said the "cycle of suspicion and discord" between the United States and the Muslim world must end.US President Barack Obama has said the "cycle of suspicion and discord" between the United States and the Muslim world must end.
In a keynote speech in Cairo, Mr Obama called for a "new beginning" in ties.In a keynote speech in Cairo, Mr Obama called for a "new beginning" in ties.
He admitted there had been "years of distrust" and said both sides needed to make a "sustained effort... to respect one another and seek common ground".He admitted there had been "years of distrust" and said both sides needed to make a "sustained effort... to respect one another and seek common ground".
Mr Obama is delivering the speech at Cairo University as part of his tour of the Middle East and Europe.Mr Obama is delivering the speech at Cairo University as part of his tour of the Middle East and Europe.
The president's trip has taken him to Saudi Arabia and he will also visit Germany and France.The president's trip has taken him to Saudi Arabia and he will also visit Germany and France.
'Not so unique'
Mr Obama said: "I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect."Mr Obama said: "I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect."
He said "violent extremists" had bred fear and that this "cycle of suspicion and discord must end".He said "violent extremists" had bred fear and that this "cycle of suspicion and discord must end".
Mr Obama accepted that "no single speech can eradicate years of mistrust" but urged both sides to "say openly the things we hold in our hearts and that too often are said only behind closed doors".Mr Obama accepted that "no single speech can eradicate years of mistrust" but urged both sides to "say openly the things we hold in our hearts and that too often are said only behind closed doors".
He cited the Koran as saying: "Be conscious of God and speak always the truth."He cited the Koran as saying: "Be conscious of God and speak always the truth."
Mr Obama said Islam had "always been a part of America's story".
He added that much had been made of the fact an African-American named Barack Hussein Obama had become president, but he insisted his personal story was "not so unique".
"The dream of opportunity for all people has not come true for everyone in America, but its promise exists for all who come to our shores - that includes nearly seven million American Muslims."