05/11/2008

Brown Praises President-Elect Obama

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has congratulated US president-elect Barack Obama for running an "inspirational campaign", and said he is looking forward to working with him.

Democratic Senator Barack Obama, who was elected the first black president of the United States, promised a "new dawn of American leadership" as he delivered his victory address in front of 100,000 people in Chicago's Grant Park.

Mr Brown offered his "sincere congratulations" to Obama, but also paid tribute to Republican candidate Senator John McCain "who fought a good campaign and has shown the characteristic dignity that has marked a lifetime of service to his country".

In a statement issued by Downing Street, he added: "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.

"I know Barack Obama and we share many values. We both have determination to show that government can act to help people fairly through these difficult times facing the global economy."

The Prime Minister continued, saying he was looking forward to working "extremely closely" with the newly-elected president "in the coming months and years".

Meanwhile, Conservative leader David Cameron said America has "made history and proved to the world that it is a nation eager for change" by electing Obama.

"In these difficult times, people everywhere are crying out for change. Barack Obama is the first of a new generation of leaders who will deliver it - he has my wholehearted congratulations.

"This is an important moment not just for America but for the world. Barack Obama's victory will give people a new opportunity to look at the United States and see her for what I believe she is - a beacon of opportunity, freedom and democracy."

(JM)

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