FACTBOX: Highlights of Bush's foreign policy remarks

Mon Jan 28, 2008 9:31pm EST
 
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(Reuters) - Following are highlights of President George W. Bush remarks on foreign policy in his seventh and last State of the Union address to Congress on Monday.

In the speech, Bush:

* Urged Congress to fully fund U.S. troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, saying additional troops had helped reduce violence and allowed political action by the Iraqi government. Noted that two units had returned from Iraq without being replaced and six more units will likely return in the coming months.

* Acknowledged that 3,200 more Marines were needed in Afghanistan to help combat the Taliban and train the Afghan Army and police.

* Pledged to work with international community to stop Iran from obtaining the capability to develop nuclear weapons, but warned that "America will confront those who threaten our troops."

* Offered support to the Israelis and Palestinians as they try to negotiate establishing a Palestinian state.

* Called for permanent legislation that would permit U.S. intelligence agencies to monitor communications of domestic calls without warrants. The move, aimed at thwarting terror attacks, has raised concerns among Democrats that privacy rights of Americans could be violated.

* Renewed a call for peaceful democratic reforms in Cuba, Myanmar, and Zimbabwe.

(Reporting by Jeremy Pelofsky, editing by Chris Wilson)

 

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