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Obama rejects statements that US world influence wanes

“Anyone who tells you that America is in decline or that our influence has waned, doesn’t know what they’re talking about,” Obama said

Photo EPA/ITAR-TASS

Photo EPA/ITAR-TASS

WASHINGTON, January 25 (Itar-Tass) — Claims that the US influence in the world arena has waned are groundless, US President Barack Obama said on Tuesday in his annual State of the Union address to the US Congress. In his view, renewed American leadership is felt worldwide.

“Yes, the world is changing. No, we can’t control every event. But America remains the one indispensable nation in world affairs -- and as long as I'm president, I intend to keep it that way,” he added.

He talked about extending new ties and influence toward Asia, while claiming that old alliances in Europe and elsewhere are stronger than ever. According to him, the United States has made it clear that it is a Pacific nation.

He said that “anyone who tells you that America is in decline or that our influence has waned, doesn’t know what they’re talking about,” Obama said.

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