Prime Minister Gordon Brown told Labour party loyalists Monday that ties to the United States were vital to fostering peace in Africa, promoting human rights and winning the fight against terrorism

In his first address to his Labour party conference as its leader, Brown promised to abide by commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan, but stressed that economic and political reforms are now as vital as the presence of troops.

Brown said that winning the fight against global terrorism will also “require more than military force and we will work with our allies to isolate extremism and we will win the battle of hearts and minds,” he said.

“There should be no safe haven, no hiding place anywhere in the world for al-Qaida and terrorism,” Brown told delegates.

Brown has been closely watched for signs that he is distancing himself from the unwavering pro-American stance of his predecessor, Tony Blair, whose support for the U.S. in Iraq tarnished his reputation among Britons disillusioned with the war. However, he said relations with the United States, Europe and the United Nations were critical to achieving a raft of new foreign policy goals.

“Whether it’s environmental, economic or security cooperation, we will hold fast to the partnerships with our closest ally, America,” Brown said.

In a speech studded with references to his upbringing in Scotland, Brown spelled out domestic reforms, promising to haul down age-old social barriers of class and upbringing.

Brown’s Britain will be a place where “what counts is not where you come from and who you know, but what you aspire to,” he said.

His strong standing in opinion polls has fueled speculation Brown will call an early election _ perhaps next month _ to seek his own, five-year mandate and to increase Labour’s majority in Parliament.

Though Brown made no reference to an election in his address, he said he hopes to win favor from those “who believe in strong families and a patriotic Britain, who may have supported other parties but, like me, want to defend and advance British values.”

Many of the 11,000 delegates attending the four-day rally have urged Brown to call a poll to capitalize on his cool handling of crises, including attempted terrorist attacks, record flooding, and an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.

Brown will soon visit Darfur with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, according to officials. He said he “will not rest until there is an end to the aerial bombings, a cease-fire, a lasting political settlement and justice for the women and children of Darfur.”

Persecution of opposition voices in Myanmar and Zimbabwe will no longer be tolerated, Brown said.

Brown also promised to streamline the country’s immigrantion system, saying that Britain will rank potential immigrants according to what they offer Britain.

Britain has been trying to find a way to keep its doors open to the foreign doctors, nurses, engineers and technology workers it needs while keeping a firm hand on which individuals are admitted. Earlier this year, Britain announced plans to adopt a system similar to Australia’s point-based plan, which gives the highest priority to immigrants with the most badly needed skills.

“Britain will continue to benefit from skilled workers abroad and they will understand their responsibilities to earn the right to settle,” Brown said in his speech.