World embraces Obama, but expectations are high

Nov 5, 2008, 15:38 GMT

(L-R) President-elect Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Jill Biden and vice president-elect Joe Biden stand together after Obama addressed a crowd at Grant Park in Chicago, Illinois, USA, to celebrate his victory on Election Day 04 November 2008. Obama defeated Republican presidential candidate John McCain to become the 44th President of the United States and the first black president in US history. EPA/SHAWN THEW

Governments and leaders around the globe were overwhelmingly positive Wednesday to the election of Barack Obama as the next US president, but it was clear that they also had high expectations of him in repairing America's damaged standing in the world.

The president-elect - the first African-American ever to be elected to the highest office in 232 years of US constitutional history - was being offered plenty of free advice on issues ranging from foreign affairs to the environment to the economy.

Whether in Asia, Europe, Africa, or even the Middle East, the messages of congratulations were coupled with hopes of improved relations, by implication a criticism of the outgoing administration of George W Bush.

In New York, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon sent his 'warmest congratulations' and in his message he noted that Obama had shown a preference toward resolving global issues through dialogue. Ban said he expected the US to participate more actively in UN activities.

In London, the British Labour government and opposition parties hailed as 'inspirational' Obama's victory and said they hope it would open a new era in the much-vaunted 'special relationship' between Britain and the US.

'This is a moment that will live in history as long as history books are written,' Prime Minister Gordon Brown said, calling Obama 'a true friend of Britain.'

In Brussels, European Union leaders congratulated Obama on his victory and called on him to work with the EU to solve the world's most pressing problems.

'This is a time for a renewed commitment between Europe and the US. I want to assure Senator Obama of the support of the European Commission and of my personal support in forging this renewed commitment to face together the many challenges ahead of us,' European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said.

'We need a new deal for a new world. I sincerely hope that with the leadership of President Obama, the US will join forces with Europe to drive this new deal - for the benefit of our societies, for the benefit of the world,' he said in a statement.

In Berlin, German political leaders congratulated Obama, with Chancellor Angela Merkel saying Berlin looked forward to working together in complete trust with the new Democrat-led White House.

'The world faces considerable challenges at the start of your term in office,' Merkel said. 'I am convinced that there will be close and trustful cooperation between the United States and Europe so as successfully use the hazards and risks as well as the manifold opportunities to open up our global world.'

In Paris, French President Nicolas Sarkozy sent a congratulatory letter, saying that 'In choosing you, the American people have chosen change, openness and optimism.'

Obama's victory, the French president said, 'raises a great hope in France, in Europe and in the world - that of an open, united and strong America that will show a new way, with its partners, by the strength of its example and the adherence to its principles.'

In Africa, the reaction to Obama's victory was one of jubilation in Kenya, where the president-elect's late father was from. President Mwai Kibaki congratulated Obama and designated Thursday as a public holiday for Kenyans to celebrate the 'historic achievement.'

  'This is a momentous day not only in the history of the United States of America, but also for us in Kenya,' Kibaki said in a statement. '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.'

In Johannesburg former South African president and anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela said Obama's election was a triumph for hope.

Mandela, 90, said: 'Your victory has demonstrated that no person anywhere in the world should not dare to dream of wanting to change the world for a better place.'

The anti-apartheid icon, like South African President Kgalema Motlanthe, also used the occasion to urge Obama, son of an African immigrant, to use his presidency to tackle poverty.

In Beijing, Chinese President Hu Jintao congratulated Obama and promised to expand dialogue and cooperation with his incoming administration.

'The Chinese government and myself consistently attach great importance to China-US relations,' the Foreign Ministry quoted Hu as saying in a telegram to Senator Obama.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai said he hoped Obama's victory would bring peace for war-weary Afghans and urged the president-elect to reduce civilian casualties in Afghanistan after being sworn in.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called Obama an inspiration as he congratulated the senator for winning the election. 'Your extraordinary journey to the White House will inspire people not only in your country but also around the world.'

South Korean President Lee Myung Bak in his congratulatory message expressed the wish for stronger bilateral ties. 'The South Korean government is strongly convinced that Obama's election win would elevate the future-oriented alliance between South Korea and the US to a higher level.'

New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark also congratulated Obama, saying he would be taking office at a critical juncture. 'There are many pressing challenges facing the international community, including the global financial crisis and global warming.'