|PIC1|US President Barack Obama has called for a “new beginning” between Muslims and the US.

Mr Obama made the call in a carefully balanced speech at Cairo University, in which he made positive references to Islam and quoted repeatedly from the Koran.

He expressed his desire for an end to the “cycle of suspicion and discord” that has existed between Islam and the West for decades.

He said Muslims and Americans needed to make a “sustained effort” to “respect one another and seek common ground” after years of distrust and warned that a failure to reconcile their differences could be exploited by extremists.

"So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, and who promote conflict rather than the co-operation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity," he said.

"This cycle of suspicion and discord must end.

"I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect; and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive, and need not be in competition."

Mr Obama went on to defend Israel’s right to exist, whilst also describing the situation for Palestinians as “intolerable” and their aspirations for an independent state as “legitimate”.

“The only resolution is for the aspirations of both sides to be met through two states, where Israelis and Palestinians each live in peace and security,” he said.

Mr Obama urged Muslim countries to ensure religious liberty for all.

“People in every country,” he said, “should be free to choose and live their faith based upon the persuasion of the mind, heart, and soul. This tolerance is essential for religion to thrive.”

He continued: “Freedom of religion is central to the ability of peoples to live together. We must always examine the ways in which we protect it.”