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Obama pledges support for Israel Obama pledges support for Israel
(30 minutes later)
Barack Obama has pledged unwavering support for Israel in his first foreign policy speech since declaring himself the Democratic nominee for president.Barack Obama has pledged unwavering support for Israel in his first foreign policy speech since declaring himself the Democratic nominee for president.
He told the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (Aipac), a prominent Jewish lobby, Israel's security was "sacrosanct" and "non-negotiable".He told the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (Aipac), a prominent Jewish lobby, Israel's security was "sacrosanct" and "non-negotiable".
He also said he would do "everything" to stop Iran getting a nuclear weapon.He also said he would do "everything" to stop Iran getting a nuclear weapon.
As the Democrats' primary season ended, Mr Obama received the support of enough delegates to clinch the nomination.As the Democrats' primary season ended, Mr Obama received the support of enough delegates to clinch the nomination.
His rival, Hillary Clinton, has yet to concede.His rival, Hillary Clinton, has yet to concede.
Her speech to Aipac focused on similar topics - with Mr Obama setting out what he would do as US president, while Mrs Clinton referred to what "the next president" should do. Their speeches to Aipac focused on similar topics - with Mr Obama setting out what he would do as US president, while Mrs Clinton referred to what "the next president" should do.
She told Aipac she was honoured to consider Mr Obama a friend and that he would be a "good friend of Israel". She told Aipac the Democratic party's strong commitment to Israel would continue under the next Democratic president.
"We need a Democrat in the White House next January," she said. "I know Senator Obama understands what is at stake here," she said.
"It is an honour to call him my friend - and let me be clear, I know that Senator Obama will be a good friend to Israel."
Two-state policy
Mr Obama told Aipac the Israel-American relationship was a cross-party issue - but he criticised the current administration's policies in the region.
He said the war in Iraq had emboldened Iran, which posed a real, grave danger.
"My goal will be to eliminate this threat," he said.
He said real security came from lasting peace and he would work from the start of his administration to achieve a Palestinian state alongside an Israeli one - but with Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel.
Unity bid
Mr Obama has paid tribute to Mrs Clinton and hinted that she would play a role in any future Obama administration.
Mrs Clinton has said she would be "open" to the idea of being Mr Obama's vice-presidential running-mate.
Correspondents say the Democratic campaign to choose a nominee has been deeply divisive which is why senior Democrats have called for the party to unite and focus on the general election.Correspondents say the Democratic campaign to choose a nominee has been deeply divisive which is why senior Democrats have called for the party to unite and focus on the general election.
They urged the remaining super-delegates - party officials with a free choice over who to support at the party's selection convention in August - to make their choice by Friday.They urged the remaining super-delegates - party officials with a free choice over who to support at the party's selection convention in August - to make their choice by Friday.