VARIOUS: People across the world welcome the election of Barak Obama as U.S. President
Record ID:
1473723
VARIOUS: People across the world welcome the election of Barak Obama as U.S. President
- Title: VARIOUS: People across the world welcome the election of Barak Obama as U.S. President
- Date: 6th November 2008
- Summary: (BN09)RAMALLAH, WEST BANK (NOVEMBER 05, 2008) (REUTERS) RESTAURANT WITH THE PALESTINIAN FLAG (SOUNDBITE) (English) RAMALLAH RESIDENT, NASIR ABDEL HADI , SAYING: "We are so happy that Mr Obama won, we congratulate the American people for this show of democracy, this is about time for America to show the world that they are a real democratic nation. We will learn from the A
- Embargoed: 21st November 2008 09:55
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- Topics: International Relations
- Reuters ID: LVA2BOAQF3MD7KSTCXAGDN5SEAYZ
- Aspect Ratio: 4:3
- Story Text: Europeans and residents of the Middle East react to the election of Barak Obama as America's first black President.
Across Europe and the Middle East on Wednesday (November 5) people woke to the news of Barak Obama's historic White House victory over rival John McCain.
Democrat Barack Obama captured the White House on Tuesday (November 4) after an extraordinary two-year campaign, defeating Republican John McCain to make history as the first black to be elected U.S. president.
The result was broadly welcomed but the focus for many around the world was the possibility of a change in U.S. foreign policy.
On the banks of the river Thames in London a nurse told Reuters Television that the election of America's first black president was "history in the making".
"Well I think it's great in terms of I think it's history in the making. I mean the first black president and I just hope that perhaps he will bring some stability and some optimism to everyone in America, it's a huge country and I hope perhaps he will unify them all," said the unidentified woman.
In Rome, resident Luigi Maggio praised what he called Obama's democratic values but said that time will tell if he is the right man for the job.
"It could be a real change, the first black president, a person they say has high democratic values, we will wait and see because when you speak during election time obviously you say what people want to hear but it's the facts that count and show whether he is the right person to lead America."
In Madrid, one resident, Carmen, was happy to share her excitement at the news.
"It's great. The first thing I did was to send text messages to all my friends saying 'we can'. That's it, nothing else. I'm glad," she said.
Other residents were slightly more reserved but looking forward to a change from the previous administration and the possibility of the US forging closer links with Spain.
"It's not bad, at least he wants better relations with Spain, no? Anyway, we will see," said Margarita.
On the other side of the Mediterranean, American foreign policy also dominated the thoughts of locals.
In Beirut some Lebanese were positive that the new incumbent of the presidency will bring about a change in America's attitude to the rest of the world.
"The election of Obama indicates that the American community have become more understanding of world issues and problems and have become more integrated," Saeed Fawaz said.
But others were more sceptical.
"I think that Obama being president isn't going to change much about the foreign policies that US government is intending on the Middle East.
He may be a more rational man that John MCcain but I don't think it will matter to me which one of them won the election because its not gonna change the foreign policies," said Adonis Shadeed.
In Tehran Saeed Naziri said the main goal for the newly-elected president should be to work on achieving peace in the world.
"Now the only message that I can send is to bring back the peace to the world, the peace which was lost during last eight years," said the university student.
Another student, however, Morteza Assadlou said that America is "the enemy of peace."
"He (Obama) give up this ridiculous sanctions and they must observe our people's rights. They themselves are enemy of peace and (I) suggest them they themselves observe universal peace," said Morteza Assadlou.
In Gaza one local man foresaw an administration no different to its predecessor.
"The American policy will never change with the change of the faces (the presidents). The American policy will stay the same, a policy which is an enemy to the Arab nations and the Palestinian cause." said Gaza resident Muhmmed Khalil.
Residents of the West Bank were more mixed in their reaction.
Some welcomed the result.
"We are so happy that Mr Obama won, we congratulate the American people for this show of democracy, this is about time for America to show the world that they are a real democratic nation. We will learn from the American experience, we wish Mr Obama will look more seriously upon the Middle east," said Nasir Abdel Hadi.
But another echoed the view from Gaza saying: "It is the same policy, him (Obama) or (George W.) Bush or (Bill) Clinton, who ever."
"The policy will stay the same, because the Israeli lobby is controlling the White house," said Talal Abu Aedh.
Opinion amongst Israeli residents in Jerusalem was similarly split.
Despite a positive impression of Obama David Silverman was dismissive of the chance of real change for the world.
"As far as I am concerned, it doesn't make a difference whose president of America. The world has an agenda, the Middle East has an agenda, the economy has an agenda. I think whoever took over the presidency, we have the same mess to clean up, whether democrat or republican and I think maybe with Obama he is young, charismatic, has a bit of charm. I think maybe he'll be good for America. They need a change, they need a bit a fresh air you know."
But his compatriot Minahim Ringler prefered to concentrate on the historical nature of Obama's win.
"Well I think it's a great day, I think it's really historical day. Even if his success he owes it to the failure of Bush. That's more than to his own credit. Yet it is a great thing."
Obama will be sworn in as the 44th U.S. president on January 20, 2009.
He will face a crush of immediate challenges, from tackling an economic crisis to ending the war in Iraq and striking a compromise on overhauling the health care system.
McCain saw his hopes for victory evaporate with losses in a string of key battleground states led by Ohio, the state that narrowly clinched President George W. Bush's re-election in 2004, and Virginia, a state that had not backed a Democrat since 1964. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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