The following are key quotes from the speech given Tuesday by US President Barack Obama before the United Nations General Assembly:

SYRIA

-- "How do we address the choice of standing callously by while children are subjected to nerve gas, or embroiling ourselves in someone else's civil war?"

-- "With respect to Syria, we believe that as a starting point, the international community must enforce the ban on chemical weapons."

-- "It is an insult to human reason -- and to the legitimacy of this institution -- to suggest that anyone other than the regime carried out this attack."

-- "There must be a strong Security Council Resolution to verify that the Assad regime is keeping its commitments, and there must be consequences if they fail to do so. If we cannot agree even on this, then it will show that the UN is incapable of enforcing the most basic of international laws."

MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

-- "The United States of America is prepared to use all elements of our power, including military force, to secure these core interests in the region."

-- "We deeply believe it is in our interest to see a Middle East and North Africa that is peaceful and prosperous; and will continue to promote democracy, human rights, and open markets, because we believe these practices achieve peace and prosperity."

IRAN

-- "I do believe that if we can resolve the issue of Iran's nuclear program, that can serve as a major step down a long road towards a different relationship -- one based on mutual interests and mutual respect."

-- "The roadblocks may prove to be too great, but I firmly believe the diplomatic path must be tested."

ISRAEL/PALESTINIANS

-- "The time is now ripe for the entire international community to get behind the pursuit of peace."

-- "Real breakthroughs on these two issues -- Iran's nuclear program, and Israeli-Palestinian peace -- would have a profound and positive impact on the entire Middle East and North Africa."

EGYPT

-- "We will continue support in areas like education that benefit the Egyptian people. But we have not proceeded with the delivery of certain military systems, and our support will depend upon Egypt's progress in pursuing a democratic path."