US not menace to peace: US

2003-11-04 07:12

Washington - The United States on Monday denied being a menace to world peace and said Europeans, who had ranked the United States and Israel as the most pernicious nations, would be swayed by the facts.

"What the United States is doing is motivated by a desire to expand stability, expand peace and expand freedom throughout the world in partnership with its friends and allies," deputy state department spokesperson Adam Ereli told reporters.

Ereli was asked what the United States should do about its image problem.

"The best way to deal with perception is to put out the facts as you know them and to state your policy and stick up for what you believe in and let your actions speak for you."

That goes for the Iraq war, a major reason for the tarnished US image.

"You see a lot written about or focused on about the security situation, which, obviously, is a concern and something that we are working with all diligence and energy to address.

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"But at the same time, if you go throughout the country, there are no shortage of good-news stories, from health clinics that are open, universities that are open, Iraqis taking control of their own affairs from the governing council to local councils to parent-teacher associations, to elections taking place in small towns and villages, to the people in the north running their affairs, the people in the south running their affairs," he said.

According to a Eurobarometer poll for the European Commission, based on interviews with 500 people in each of the 15 EU states, 59 percent of Europeans replied "yes" when asked whether or not Israel presents a threat to peace in the world.

Fifty-three percent said Iran, North Korea and the United States pose a threat, followed by 52 percent for Iraq, 50 percent for Afghanistan and 48 percent for Pakistan.

"I'm not criticising the Europeans," Ereli said.

"What I'm saying is that we are hopeful that as the facts get out, as we present our case, that the power of our actions will persuade those who may be sceptical."

- AFP