"To the People of Iran: The United States Respects You"

During President Bush’s U.N. speech today, he spoke directly to the people of Iran—bypassing their terrorist government regime.

It is exactly the way President Reagan used to speak to the people of the old Soviet Union, telling them we respect you, we want to join hands with you and help you create a prosperous democracy, but your so-called leaders are blocking the way. This is how Bush dealt with Iran today at the United Nations.

Here’s the paragraph:

To the people of Iran, the United States respects you.

We respect your country. We admire your rich history, your vibrant culture and your many contributions to civilization.

You deserve an opportunity to determine your own future, an economy that rewards your intelligence and your talents, and a society that allows you to fulfill your tremendous potential.

The greatest obstacle to this future is that your rulers have chosen to deny you liberty and to use your nation's resources to fund terrorism and fuel extremism and pursue nuclear weapons.

The United Nations has passed a clear resolution requiring that the regime in Tehran meet its international obligations. Iran must abandon its nuclear weapons ambitions.

Despite what the regime tells you, we have no objection to Iran's pursuit of a truly peaceful nuclear power program.

We're working toward a diplomatic solution to this crisis. And as we do, we look to the day when you can live in freedom, and America and Iran can be good friends and close partners in the cause of peace.