Iran 'destabilising region'

US president George W. Bush has accused Iran of being the world’s leading state sponsor of terror.

Speaking from the Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, Bush said Tehran was destabilising the Middle East region by refusing to be open about its nuclear programme.

“Iran's actions threaten the security of nations everywhere. It sends hundreds of millions of dollars to extremists around the world, while keeping its people in poverty and repression at home. It seeks to intimidate its neighbours with missiles and bellicose rhetoric.

“The United States is strengthening our long-standing security commitments with our friends in the Gulf and rallying friends around the world to confront this danger before it is too late," he said.

During his speech Bush pledged to not abandon the Middle East to extremists or terrorists.

“The Middle East cries for justice. As you struggle to find your voice, we will stand with you," he said.

In the sole speech of his Middle Eastern tour, Bush also urged Middle Eastern nations to take up democracy.

"People must not be jailed for peacefully petitioning their government or for voicing their legitimate criticisms," he said.

The US had no desire for territory and sought its own security through the stability of the Middle East, he said.

The UAE is the third stop on Bush's whirlwind visit to the region. He will fly to Riyadh from Dubai on Monday where he will meet with leading officials including King Abdullah.

Bush’s tour, which includes stops in Israel, Palestine, Bahrain, the UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, ends on January 16.

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