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In his State of the Union address, President Barack Obama said that perhaps the greatest danger facing the American people is the threat of nuclear weapons. He reiterated his commitment to a strategy that reverses the spread of nuclear weapons "and seeks a world without them:"
"To reduce our stockpiles and launchers, while ensuring our deterrent, the United States and Russia are completing negotiations on the farthest reaching arms control treaty in nearly two decades. And at April's Nuclear Security Summit, we will bring 44 nations together here in Washington, D.C. behind a clear goal: securing all vulnerable nuclear materials around the world in four years so that they never fall into the hands of terrorists."
Mr. Obama said that his administration's diplomatic efforts have strengthened U.S. ability to deal with nations "that insist on violating international agreements in pursuit of nuclear weapons:"
"That's why North Korea now faces increased isolation and stronger sanctions – sanctions that are being vigorously enforced. That's why the international community is more united, and the Islamic Republic of Iran is more isolated. And as Iran's leaders continue to ignore their obligations, there should be no doubt: They too will face growing consequences. That is a promise."
President Obama also spoke of the unwavering commitment of the United States to support human rights:
"Over 10,000 Americans are working with many nations to help the people of Haiti recover and rebuild. That's why we stand with the girl who years to go to school in Afghanistan; why we support the human rights of the women marching through the streets of Iran; why we advocate for the young man denied a job by corruption in Guinea."
"America," said President Obama, "must always stand on the side of freedom and human dignity -- always."
