World Politics

Vatican: Faithful pray God to enlighten Obama

Barack ObamaVatican City - Roman Catholics "pray that God may enlighten" US president-elect Barack Obama so that he can successfully respond to the hope his election has generated, Pope Benedict XVI's spokesman said Wednesday.

Obama has raised expectations on "justice and finding appropriate ways to promote peace in the world," Father Federico Lombardi was quoted as saying by the ANSA news agency.

There was hope he would "favour human growth and dignity with respect to essential human and spiritual values," Lombardi said.

Nicolas Sarkozy, other French leaders congratulate Obama

Nicolas Sarkozy, other French leaders congratulate ObamaParis - French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Wednesday sent a letter to US President-elect Barack Obama congratulating him on what he called a "brilliant victory."

After extending the "warmest congratulations" on his behalf and that of the French people, Sarkozy wrote that Obama's election triumph "crowns an exceptional campaign ... (that) has shown the vitality of American democracy to the entire world."

Sarkozy added, "In choosing you, the American people have chosen change, openness and optimism."

Russia says it counts on a "fresh" approach in relations with US

Moscow - Russia said Wednesday it anticipated a "fresh approach" to leave behind the "stereotypes" in relations with the United States after Barack Obama's victory in the presidential elections.

"The US election result testifies to the fact that everyone correctly counted on a fresh US approach to all the major problems," Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin told news agency Interfax on Wednesday.

"We believe that the US president will himself shape the tone of relations with Russia. As to the president's advisors, they will also have the possibility to look in a new way at the old approaches and maybe to review the stereotypes that earlier were intrinsic to them," Karasin said.

Dublin: Obama win "beacon" and "day of hope for the world"

Irish Prime Minister Brian CowenDublin - Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen on Wednesday congratulated Senator Barack Obama on being elected president of the United States, saying Obama's election was "a day of hope for the world".

"Barack Obama's remarkable personal story - allied to his eloquence and his huge political talents - sends a powerful message of hope to America's friends across the world."

"There is a palpable sense of history with the election of the first African-American president.

President Patil congratulates Barack Obama

President Pratibha PatilNew Delhi, Nov 5: President Pratibha Patil today congratulated Senator Barack Obama on his election as the next President of the United States of America.

In her message, the President said, "Excellency, please accept my heartiest congratulations on your election as the next President of the United States of America.

"The people of India, who have closely followed the U. S. election process with unprecedented interest, see your election as a historic mandate of the people of the United States of America," she added.

EU's Barroso calls for "new deal for new world" with Obama

Brussels - The head of the European Union's executive body on Wednesday congratulated Barack Obama on his victory in the United States presidential election and called on him to work with the EU to shape a "new deal for a new world".

"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.

Pages