McCain vows to “shake-up” Washington
Washington, 5 (IranVNC)—Republican Senator John McCain accepted his party’s presidential nomination last night before supporters at the Xcel Energy Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
By: IranVNC
Published: Friday, September 05, 2008
US – ELECTIONS – MCCAIN – IRAN
14:40GMT—10:40AM/EST
Washington, 5 (IranVNC)—Republican Senator John McCain accepted his party’s presidential nomination last night before supporters at the Xcel Energy Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
In a wide-ranging speech, McCain acknowledged the effect of tough economic conditions on Americans and vowed to “shake-up Washington”, with the help of his vice presidential running mate Sarah Palin, if he wins the presidential elections in November.
Turning his attention to international issues, the 72-year old Vietnam veteran and Prisoner of War credited General David Petraeus with implementing a US troop surge that has reduced violence in Iraq.
McCain also said that the United States had “dealt a serious blow to al-Qaida” in Iraq and Afghanistan, but warned that the extremist organization responsible for the September 11 attacks “will strike us again if they can.”
The Arizona senator said Iraq’s neighbor, Iran, was “the chief state-sponsor of terrorism and on the path to acquiring nuclear weapons”.
Iran, which is the world’s second largest producer of oil, rejects accusations by Western powers that it is using the cover of a civilian nuclear power program to enrich uranium for nuclear weapons production.
The Republican Party released a statement earlier this week, outlining its policy in the nuclear standoff with Iran.
“We oppose entering into a presidential-level, unconditional dialogue with the regime in Iran until it takes steps to improve its behavior, particularly with respect to support of terrorism and suspension of its efforts to enrich uranium,” the statement said in a reference to Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama’s call for direct negotiations with Iran’s officials.
McCain yesterday linked national security to the cost of importing oil into the United States, saying that if he is elected president: “We will stop sending $700 billion a year to countries that don’t like us very much.”
He proposed a range of solutions, including off shore drilling, construction of new nuclear power plants, and greater reliance on “clean coal” and renewable energy technologies to reduce US dependence on foreign oil.
He also addressed the recent conflict between Russia and Georgia, and accused Russia of abandoning democratic reform and exercising aggression to dominate neighboring states. But he assured the audience he is ready to face these challenges.
“We face many threats in this dangerous world,” McCain said, adding: “I know how to work with leaders who share our dreams of a freer, safer and more prosperous world, and how to stand up to those who don't. I know how to secure the peace.”
Sources: Republican National Convention website, Republican Party platform
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