The U.S. president also reiterated his belief in the need for universal freedom and called for nations throughout the world to embrace democracy and support it. “We must stand united in our support of other young democracies, from the people of Lebanon struggling to maintain their hard-won independence to the people of the Palestinian Territories who deserve a free and peaceful state of their own,” he said. Bush used the international forum to address the U.S. economic crisis, which has had global repercussions, and reassure world leaders that the U.S. government was working to address the situation. “In recent weeks, we have taken bold steps to prevent a severe disruption of the American economy, which would have a devastating effect on other economies around the world,” he said. “I can assure you that my administration and our Congress are working together to quickly pass legislation” to deal with the crisis, he added. In his final address to the world body, Bush appeared to strike a more conciliatory tone than in the past, when he has accused the U.N. of risking irrelevance.“The United Nations is an organization of extraordinary potential,” he said. “As the United Nations rebuilds its headquarters, it must also open the door to a new age of transparency, accountability and seriousness of purpose. With determination and clear purpose, the United Nations can be a powerful force for good as we head into the 21st century.”--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/592937