Wednesday, September 20 2006 11:32 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

United Nations: Assuring Muslims around the world that the US is not at war with Islam, President George W Bush yesterday (Sept 20,2006)pushed his 'freedom agenda' for peace in the Middle East.

He also asked Iran to return to international talks on its controversial nuclear programme and threatened consequences if it did not do so.

Addressing the UN General Assembly, Bush expressed sympathy for the political plight of the people of the Middle Eastg, saying "You have been fed propaganda and conspiracy theories that blame others for your country's shortcomings."

"And everywhere you turn, you hear extremists who tell you that you can escape your misery and regain your dignity through violence and terror and martyrdom," he said.

"My country desires peace. Extremists in your midst spread propaganda claiming that the West is engaged in a war against Islam. This propaganda is false and its purpose is to confuse you and justify acts of terror," he said.

"We respect Islam, but we will protect our people from those who pervert Islam to sow death and destruction," said Bush, making the point that the objective was to help societies become more tolerant and hopeful and one that honors people of all faiths and promotes the peace.

Stressing that from Beirut to Baghdad people are making the choice for freedom and that the nations gathered in the United Nations must make a choice as well, Bush said the US will support reformers and moderates across the Middle East.