US COMMITTED TO SPEAK ON HUMAN RIGHTS

KUALA LUMPUR, March 20 (Bernama) -- The United States (US) remains committed
in speaking on the fundamental values and universal standards of human rights to
other nations of the world.

US Ambassador to Malaysia James R. Keith told a press conference at his
residence here Thursday that America was founded on "certain values and it would
stand for those values to the extent where its constructive critism was designed
to bring the world together to a better place".

Asked whether the US still had moral ground to give criticisms on other
countries, especially in light of their policies regarding the Gaza tragedy and
the Middle East Peace Process, he said:

"The notion that we speak on these kind of issues and address these kind of
values doesn't presuppose or suggest that our society is perfect.

"Far from it, we are humans and organisations of human beings therefore,
will have frailities and potential for mistakes that any other human
organisation has."

Keith said America was more than willing and welcomed criticism from other
countries, including on issues pertaining to the Middle East Peace Process.

"Of course, that (Middle East) is an area where we are one player among
many. You have seen the administration (President Barack Obama's administration)
in its first week of formation, take seriously the key issues in the Middle East
Peace Process," he added.

Keith also reiterated the point where America has "done some things right
which was worth sharing with the world, just as America seeks to learn lessons
from others."

-- BERNAMA