Kerry says Mideast ‘pulsating with life’

Kerry makes a “plea” in wrapping up his speech.

“Please do not accept the view of some that the Middle East must inevitably be divided along sectarian lines, especially between Sunni and Shia Muslims,” he says.

Kerry says this “simplistic and cynical view is not only not true historically, is not true today.”

Switching back to the “horrible evening” in which Rabin was killed, Kerry says that as the prime minister walked toward “his car, and his killer, there was a sheet of paper in his pocket that would soon be stained with blood. And on the paper were the words to ‘shir lashalom,’ the song of peace.”

“The Middle East today is still marred by the sounds and spectacle of violence, but it need not be, because the region is also pulsating with life. It is the home of populations that are youthful, energetic, forward looking… it is in them that we place our faith, it is for them… that we dedicate our collective efforts and it is with them that the US is determined to turn back the destroyers and build a future characterized by prosperity, peace, and by dignity for all people.

“That is a worthy fight,” he concludes.