President Obama underscored the importance of an institution like the United Nations. Once, he said, "the idea that nations and peoples could come together in peace to solve their disputes" seemed "unimaginable." But, he said, it took the "awful carnage" of two world wars to change thinking about that.

Expanding on the theme of moving from a perpetual war footing, Obama says that "the world is more stable (than it was) five years ago." He became president nealy five years ago, you'll note. But dangers remains, he acknowledges, citing the current hostage crisis at a Kenya mall, a recent suicide bombing in Pakistan, and strife in the Middle East and North Africa.

"An agreement on chemical weapons should energize a larger diplomatic" initiative, Obama said. He doesn't believe military action can achieve a lasting peace and said that Syrians themselves should decide who runs Syria.

"I welcome the influence of all nations that can bring about a peaceful resolution of the Syrian civil war," Obama said.

"In the near term," Obama said. "America's diplomatic efforts will focus on two particular issues: Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons, and the Arab-Israeli conflict. While these issues are not the cause of all the region's problems, they have been a major source of instability for far too long, and resolving them can help serve as a foundation for a broader peace."

" I do believe that if we can resolve the issue of Iran's nuclear program, that can serve as a major step down a long road towards a different relationship - one based on mutual interests and mutual respect," Obama said.

Talking about the Israeli-Palestinian issue, Obama underscored his support for Israel. "I have made clear that the United States will never compromise our commitment to Israel's security, nor our support for its existence as a Jewish state."

Adding to what he said about the Israeli-Palestinian issue: "The occupation of the West Bank is tearing at the democratic fabric of the Jewish state." But Israelis have the right to live in a world that recognizes their right to live in security, he said: "The state of Israel is here to stay."

Obama said "real breakthroughs" on Iran's nuclear program and Israeli-Palestinian peace "would have a profound and positive impact on the entire Middle East and North Africa."

Obama addressed Egypt, saying U.S. support for that country will depend upon that nation's "progress in pursuing a democratic path." "Our approach to Egypt reflects a larger point: the United States will at times work with governments that do not meet the highest international expectations, but who work with us on our core interests. But we will not stop asserting principles that are consistent with our ideals, whether that means opposing the use of violence as a means of suppressing dissent, or supporting the principles embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights."

Obama said it is important for the United States to remain engaged in North Africa and the Middle East. "I believe that such disengagement would be a mistake. I believe America must remain engaged for our own security," but also because "I believe the world is better for it," he said.

And that's it from Obama. Just a few highlights here: He said he was ready to use "all elements of U.S. power," including military force, to protect U.S. interests in the Middle East. He's encouraged that Iranian "President Rouhani received from the Iranian people a mandate to pursue a more moderate course," and he's directing his secretary of state to pursue a nuclear agreement with Iran. And he said that U.S. disengagement from the Middle East would create a vacuum of leadership, and that would be a mistake for the world. "We stand ready to do our part to prevent mass atrocities and protect basic human rights. But we cannot and should not bear that burden alone," he said.

The issue of Syria is all-important to Turkey and Turkish President Abdullah Gul is expected to address the Syrian civil war.

"I cannot emphasize this enough," Gul said: "Agreement on chemical weapons must not be allowed to substitute for a comprehensive political strategy to address the situation in Syria."

Abdullah Gul has finished his address. Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is next up.