Obama says western leadership essential for human dignity

London, May 24: The US may be neck-deep in financial crisis and the UK long past its prime as a world leader, but that doesn't stop President Barack Obama from insisting that the world needs the two countries to lead terming it as "essential to the cause of human dignity."

Addressing a joint session of the British Parliament, Obama said, "We must act, and lead, with confidence in our ideals, and an abiding faith in the character of our people." and insisted that they will "proceed with humility, and the knowledge that we cannot dictate outcomes abroad."

The address comes at a time when UK is mulling if it can afford the global leadership role it is playing in tow with the United States.

Obama, known for his sharp rhetoric, also argued that "the longing for freedom and human dignity" is "universal, and it beats in every heart."

Referring to the rise of India, China and Brazil, the President said that it was their acceptance of free markets on the British and American models that has seen their ascendance in the economic standings. Insisting that the Western leadership is not in decline, he said, "The time for our leadership is now."

Members of the British parliament greeted Obama with a standing ovation, and applauded his description of himself as the son of a Kenyan cook in the British army who had become president of the United States.

OneIndia News