INSTANT VIEW: World leaders' quotes on Obama election win
LONDON (Reuters) - Democrat Barack Obama won an extraordinary two-year struggle for the White House, beating Republican John McCain and becoming the first black president in U.S. history.
Following are quotes from world leaders:
KOFI ANNAN, FORMER UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY GENERAL
"Barack Obama's election is a testimony to his exceptional leadership abilities. Above all, his election demonstrates America's extraordinary capacity to renew itself and adapt to a changing world."
POPE BENEDICT
"It (the pope's message to Obama) asks for God's blessings on the American people so that together with all people of good will a world of peace and justice can be built," Vatican chief spokesman Rev. Federico Lombardi.
HOSNI MUBARAK, EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT
"We look forward to your constructive contribution toward solving the Palestinian question and achieving a just and comprehensive peace, as the principal requirement for the security and stability of the Middle East."
YULIA TYMOSHENKO, UKRAINIAN PRIME MINISTER
"Your victory is an inspiration for us. That which appeared impossible has become possible."
FRANCO FRATTINI, ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER
"Europe which is celebrating (the victory of) Obama must know that Europe be will be called on to be a producer of security and no longer merely a consumer. I think Obama will rightly call on us to take our responsibilities more seriously."
CELSO AMORIM, BRAZILIAN FOREIGN MINISTER
"In this case hope has won over prejudice -- this is good for the United States and the world as a whole."
GRIGORY KARASIN, RUSSIAN DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER
"The news we are receiving on the results of the American presidential election shows that everyone has the right to hope for a freshening of U.S. approaches to all the most complex issues, including foreign policy and therefore relations with the Russian Federation as well."
HOSHIYAR ZEBARI, IRAQI FOREIGN MINISTER
"I think you will hear a lot of discussion and goals and slogans during the election campaigns. When there is a reality check I think any U.S. president has to look very hard at the facts on the ground."
TZIPI LIVNI, ISRAELI FOREIGN MINISTER
"Israel expects the close strategic cooperation with the new administration, president and Congress will continue along with the continued strengthening of the special and unshakeable special relationship between the two countries."
MOHAMED MAHDI AKEF, LEADER OF THE EGYPTIAN MUSLIM
BROTHERHOOD, ONE OF THE LARGEST ISLAMIST GROUPS IN THE MIDDLE
EAST
"We congratulate (Obama) on the confidence of the American people in him and we hope that he will change the policy of the United States toward the Middle East and toward the crimes which are happening in Afghanistan and Somalia, in other words that he adopts a just policy that restores to America its natural position of respect for humankind and democracy."
REV, FEDERICO LOMBARDI, POPE BENEDICT'S SPOKESMAN
"Believers are praying that God will enlighten him and help him in his great responsibility, which is enormous because of the global importance of the United States... We hope Obama can fulfill the expectations and hopes that many have in him."
YOUSAF RAZA GILANI, PAKISTANI PRIME MINISTER
"Your election marks a new chapter in the remarkable history of the United States. For long, the ideas of democracy, liberty and freedom espoused by the United States has been a source of inspiration...I hope that under your dynamic leadership, the United States will continue to be a source of global peace and new ideas for humanity."
MANMOHAN SINGH, INDIAN PRIME MINISTER
"Your extraordinary journey to the White House will inspire people not only in your country but also around the world."
ALI AL-SADIG, SUDANESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN
"We don't expect any change through our previous experience with the Democrats ... When it comes to foreign policy there is no difference between the Republicans and the Democrats."
JAN PETER BALKENENDE, DUTCH PRIME MINISTER
"The necessity for cooperation between Europe and the United States is bigger than ever. Only by close transatlantic cooperation can we face the world's challenges."
NICOLAS SARKOZY, FRENCH PRESIDENT
"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."
HAMID KARZAI, AFGHAN PRESIDENT
"I applaud the American people for their great decision and I hope that this new administration in the United States of America, and the fact of the massive show of concern for human beings and lack of interest in race and color while electing the president, will go a long way in bringing the same values to the rest of world sooner or later."
