The Bush administration “put dictators and corrupt officials on notice” yesterday, using its annual report on global human rights practices to focus the spotlight on changes in the Middle East, as well as continuing abuses in Cuba, China, North Korea and Burma.

A senior State Department official, presenting the voluminous 2004 report, emphasised the theme of advancing democracy and freedom that was struck by President George W. Bush in his second inaugural address and State of the Union message.