SAN FRANCISCO, Oct 10: The three-million strong Arab-American community has formally endorsed John Kerry in the 2004 presidential election.

The formal endorsement came from the Arab American Political Action Committee (AAPAC), an umbrella Arab-American group that has supported George Bush in 2000.

"The Arab-American community is ready to work with the Kerry campaign to get out the vote for Kerry and ensure victory in the race for President," said AAPAC President Abed Hammoud. "We believe Senator Kerry will make America stronger, safer and more respected throughout the world," he added.

The AAPAC's endorsement of John Kerry comes despite some reservations about his stance on the Palestinian issue. However, it was argued that when it comes to the Middle East problem the Arabs do not see any difference between Bush and Kerry policies.

During the AAPAC endorsement deliberations in Dearborn, Michigan, members of this leading Arab-American organization reflected on promises made by Bush in 2000.

According to an AAPAC statement, in 2000, George Bush wrote to AAPAC in his endorsement request that security "doesn't justify a disregard for fairness, dignity, or the civil rights of Arab Americans. "Yet, under George Bush, hate crimes against Americans of Middle Eastern descent increased by 1600%" the statement added.

"He also wrote that he was troubled by some of the government methods used in collecting secret evidence. Yet, less than 11 months after taking office, he allowed the FBI to monitor personal records and break into homes and offices, without probable cause," the AAPAC said.

George Bush has shaken the very foundations of this country with his assault on civil rights, said AAPAC former president Osama Siblani. Senator John Kerry, while accepting the AAPAC's endorsement, said his administration would work to restore civil rights for all Arab Americans.

Kerry said: "I am honoured to have the support of Arab Americans. My administration will continue to work with this important community to form a strong partnership, based on trust and understanding.

Together, we will protect civil liberties of Arab-Americans, American Muslims and all Americans to make our country stronger at home and more respected in the world." The American Arab population - one third Muslim and two thirds Christian - is concentrated in many key battleground states.