Presidential Remarks at the United Nations General Assembly

President Obama addressed the United Nations General Assembly. He focused on various events from the preceding year, including democratic movements in Libya, Egypt, Tunisia, the killing of Osama bin Laden, as well as challenges remaining in Iran, Syria, and North Korea. He also spoke about the Middle East peace process and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas' desire to seek full recognition from the U.N. Security Council. President Obama stated a U.N. bid for statehood is not the path to peace, saying, “Ultimately, it is Israelis and Palestinians - not us - who must reach agreement on the issues that divide them, on borders and security, on refugees and Jerusalem.” close