World leaders hail Election of Obama

LONDON: The world leaders have congratulated US president-elect Barack Obama Wednesday.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown congratulated US president-elect Barack Obama, hailing his "energising politics...his progressive values and his vision for the future".

"I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to Barack Obama on winning the presidency of the United States," he said in a statement.

"The relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is vital to our prosperity and security... Barack Obama ran an inspirational campaign, energising politics with his progressive values and his vision for the future."

Afghan President Hamid Karzai says the election of Barack Obama as America's first black president heralds a new era for the United States and the rest of the world.

Karzai says he hopes this election "will bring peace to Afghanistan, life to Afghanistan and prosperity to the Afghan people and the rest of the world."

Speaking Wednesday at the presidential palace in Kabul, Karzai said that by electing Obama, the American people have taken themselves and the rest of the world an era where "race, color and ethnicity ... will also disappear as a factor in politics."

He says Americans have displayed courage and morality by voting for Obama.

French President Nicholas Sarkozy has said, “With the world in turmoil and doubt, the American people, faithful to the values that have always defined America's identity, have expressed with force their faith in progress and the future.

"At a time when we must face huge challenges together, your election has raised enormous hope in France, in Europe and beyond. France and Europe ... will find a new energy to work with America to persevere peace and world prosperity."

The European Union applauded Wednesday the U.S. election victory by Democratic candidate Barack Obama, saying his energy and determination are needed to build a safer world.

"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," French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said.

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Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper in his remarks said that "I look forward to meeting with the President-elect so that we can continue to strengthen the special bond that exists between Canada and the United States.

"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."




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