|
DEMOCRAT Barack Obama won an extraordinary two-year struggle for the White House on Tuesday, beating Republican John McCain to become the first black president in US history.
Following are quotes from world leaders:
Jose Manuel Barroso, European Commission President
'This is a time for a renewed commitment between Europe and the United States of America. We need to change the current crisis into a new opportunity. We need a new deal for a new world. I sincerely hope that with the leadership of President Obama, the United States of America will join forces with Europe to drive this new deal. For the benefit of our societies, for the benefit of the world.
Bernard Kouchner, French Foreign Minister
On behalf of the European Union he said: 'France, Europe and the international community need his energy, his rejection of injustice and his determination to go forward to build a safer, fairer and more stable world. France and the European Union will stand ready to work closely with Barack Obama and with his administration within the framework of a renewed transatlantic partnership.'
Nicholas Sarkozy, French President
'I give you my warmest congratulations and, through me, those of all French people. Your brilliant victory rewards a tireless commitment to serve the American people. It also crowns an exceptional campaign whose inspiration and exaltation have proved to the entire world the vitality of American democracy. By choosing you, the American people have chosen change, openness and optimism. At a time when all of us must face huge challenges together, your election raises great hope in France, in Europe and elsewhere in the world.'
Helen Clark, New Zealand Prime Minister
'The New Zealand Government very much looks forward to working with the new Obama administration. Senator Obama will be taking office at a critical juncture. There are many pressing challenges facing the international community, including the global financial crisis and global warming. We look forward to working closely with President-elect Obama and his team to address these challenges.'
Mwai Kibaki, Kenyan President
'This is a momentous day not only in the history of the United States of America, but also for us in Kenya. The victory of Senator Obama is our own victory because of his roots here in Kenya. As a country, we are full of pride for his success.
We the Kenyan people are immensely proud of your Kenyan roots. Your victory is not only an inspiration to millions of people all over the world, but it has special resonance with us her in Kenya. I am confident that your presidency shall herald a new chapter of dialogue between the American people and the world at large.' -- AFP
| 
