Asian Governments Congratulate Barack Obama

In the United States the emphasis is on the "change" but the messages of leaders from Asia and around the world betray a desire for continuity.

ROME (AsiaNews) - Barack Obama has become the first African-American president of the United States and the world is showering him with congratulations. But whilst "change" is the key word in the United States, the rest of the world wants continuity.

The win by Mr Obama, son of a black father from Kenya and white mother from Kansas, marked a milestone in US history. It came 45 years after the height of the civil rights movement led by Martin Luther King.

"It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, at this defining moment, change has come to America," Mr Obama, 47, told 125,000 ecstatic supporters gathered in Chicago's Grant Park to celebrate.

In his speech he stressed the need for Americans to remain united in the face of the challenges that await the nation.

He paid tribute to his opponent, Arizona Senator John McCain, who from Phoenix conceded his defeat and urged his supporters to offer their "goodwill" to the new president.

In thanking his supporters, Mr Obama thanked his staff, family and the gay community. Many US bishops had warned against the winner's "liberal" positions on gay marriage and easy abortion.

Obama and the new vice president, Joe Biden, will enter the White House on 20 January. On that day they will face a national and international situation characterised by a serious economic crisis and a war on terror led by the United States costing hundreds of billions of dollars and the life of more than 4,000 US servicemen and women.

For analysts the young black face of Barack Obama, full of hope, will improve America's standing around the world, now at a very low point. But for some it is doubtful that on foreign policy issues his handling of issues will change that much. The new president is not likely to reduce support for Israel in the Middle East, or quickly pull troops out from Iraq, or become overly receptive on Iran, Pakistan or Afghanistan's problems.

In reality deep down all those who are now congratulating him on his victory hope for continuity.

Iraq's Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari for instance does not envisage any "quick disengagement" from his country given the fact that a "great deal is at stake."

In Israel Foreign Ministry spokesman Ygal Palmor said that "Israelis congratulate the two great friends of Israel, John McCain for his great campaign, Barack Obama for his historic victory. [. . .] We are certain the Israeli-American friendship faces a bright future."

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In Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas congratulated Barack Obama, hopeful that "he will speed up efforts to achieve peace," particularly since a "resolution of the Palestinian problem and the Israeli-Arab conflict is key to world peace."

In Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai said he hoped that this victory in the United States, without concern "for race and colour" may bring "peace [. . .], life [. . .] and prosperity to the Afghan people and to the rest of the world."

In China, President Hu Jintao in congratulating Obama called for a closer US-China relationship which he said would be "for the benefit of Chinese and American people, and people around the world."

"Obama represents youthful energy, exuberant dynamism and a forward-looking progressive mindset which is also the spirit animating India," said Abhishek Manu Singhvi, spokesman for India's ruling Congress Party.

In Japan Prime Minister Taro Aso said that he was hopeful that the United States will move forward in cooperating with the international community. "The Japan-US alliance," he said, "is key to Japanese diplomacy and it is the foundation for peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. With President-elect Obama, I will strengthen the Japan-US alliance further and work towards resolving global issues such as the world economy, terror and the environment."

From South Korea, a spokesperson for President Lee Myung Bak, said that "the election of Obama is due to the American people's support for his message of new change and hope. President Lee Myung Bak has made change and reform an important policy priority [. . .] and the two leaders share their philosophy in this regard