Bush has high praise for India

President George W. Bush today had high praise for India's role in helping set up the United Nations' Democracy Initiative.

 

"It is only befitting that the world's largest democracy, India, has taken a leadership role in setting up the Democratic Fund and has offered to pledge $10 million to get the Fund started," President Bush said today in his address to the 60th UN General Assembly.

 

During his speech, President Bush also spoke at length about the virtues of democracy, saying every free nation has an interest in the success of the Fund and that every free nation has a responsibility in the cause of liberty.

 

"Democracy is

bigger than just holding elections, it requires building institutions that sustain freedom and liberty," he said.

 

Democracy might take different forms in different cultures, he said, but all free societies have certain things in common, such as upholding the rule of law, imposing limits on the powers of the State, the right to hold private property and the right to free speech, among others.

 

Bush devoted a part of his speech to the issue of terrorism and called upon the international community to join hands in fighting the menace. He also stressed the need for removal of poverty and advancing development, saying the world needs to change the conditions in societies that nurture terrorism and violence.