Clinton offers U.S. aid to help boost Muslim ties

World >> Politics

REUTERS

MARRAKESH, NOV 03 - The United States will deliver on President Barack Obama's promise of a "new start" with the world's Muslims by offering fresh programs to promote entrepreneurship, economic development and education, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Tuesday.

Clinton, speaking to a development forum in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh, said the programs would also aim to encourage scientific and technical collaboration, women's empowerment and cooperation between faiths.

"We are committed to building ladders of opportunity to help develop the enormous talent that resides in the people of this region," she said.

Clinton's speech was billed as a follow-up to Obama's June address in Cairo in which he promised to seek a new start in the United States' troubled relations with the Islamic world.

But it comes as Washington faces new anger in many Arab countries for tilting toward Israel on the vexed question of Israeli settlements on Palestinian territory.

Clinton in her speech repeated that the United States is committed to reaching a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians, saying this was a key to achieving a peaceful future for the region.

"We are determined and persistent in the pursuit of that goal," she said.

"I believe very strongly that it is attainable. I believe that President Obama's commitment is understood and I believe that with your support we can find a way through."

The programs Clinton announced on Tuesday include a $76 million project to help increase economic opportunities in Yemen, a $30 million project for vulnerable young people in Jordan and an entrepreneurship summit in Washington next year to bring Muslim innovators together with U.S. business leaders.