US to focus on Asia-Pacific for greater security: Obama

"As we speak, American diplomacy is supporting Israelis and Palestinians as they engage in difficult but necessary talks to end the conflict there, to achieve dignity and an independent state for Palestinians and lasting peace and security for the State of Israel ? a Jewish state that knows America will always be at their side," Obama said. The US President noted that the American leadership is defined not just by its defense against threats but by the enormous opportunities to do good and promote understanding around the globe ? to forge greater cooperation, to expand new markets, to free people from fear and want. And no one is better positioned to take advantage of those opportunities than America, he said. "Our alliance with Europe remains the strongest the world has ever known. From Tunisia to Burma, we're supporting those who are willing to do the hard work of building democracy," he said.