">Forum Views ()
">Forum Replies ()
 
 Read more with google mobile :
World greets Obama with jubilation and caution
 
 Navigation
Primary Navigation
 
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
 
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
 
Search
 
 
Search:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
World greets Obama with jubilation and caution
 
 
 
 
 
 
 AFP - Wednesday, January 21
PARIS (AFP) - - The world embraced the Barack Obama era but the leaders that the new US president will have to deal with also warned him of the difficulties ahead.
Millions followed the inauguration around the world and underscoring the huge show of faith, French President Nicolas Sarkozy said: "We are eager for him to get to work so that with him we can change the world."
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown hailed Obama as a "man of great vision" and his arrival as a "new chapter in both American history and the world's history."
"He's not only the first black American president but he sets out with the determination to solve the world's problems," said Brown.
Japan's Prime Minister Taro Aso also vowed to work with Obama to boost "peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and the world."
Obama parties were held in capitals from London to Sydney and thousands danced in the Kenyan village where his father was born.
But some leaders sought to douse the high expectations.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel wished Obama "the best of luck" but gave the latest in a series of warnings to the new US president.
She said Obama would not sway Germany to add further to its committed 4,500 force in Afghanistan. "We took our decisions based on our capabilities, our skills -- not on who is president," she said.
Merkel also expressed scepticism that Obama's plan to seek direct talks with Iran -- which many countries accuse of seeking nuclear weapons -- would work.
Obama inherits an economy in crisis, wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and a conflict in the Middle East where the United States has a key role, even though its world standing is considered lower than at any time for decades.
Iran's contested nuclear programme will also be among his major challenges.
Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said his country will await the "practical policies" of the new US president before passing judgement on him.
Pope Benedict XVI sent a message to Obama calling on him "to promote understanding, cooperation and peace" among nations.
In Gaza, where a ceasefire barely held after a three-week Israel-Hamas war in which more than 1,300 Palestinians were killed, widowed mother of six Leila Khalil said: "Obama won't bring my husband back to life.
"He was martyred and left me with six children to feed on my own. And Obama won't repair our house that was damaged in the raids," she said.
On the other side of the Middle East divide, Israeli opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu said he had the impression that "Barack Obama understood our distress very well, as well as the cruelty of the enemies we face."
French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said he "shared the admiration and emotion of the whole world" for Obama.
But he added: "I think we should not expect him to immediately solve all America's problems, nor ours. Barack Obama does not have a magic wand."
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has also countered the optimism.
"I am deeply convinced that the biggest disappointments are born out of big expectations," he said during a trip to Berlin at the weekend when asked about Obama.
China said Obama would have to work on stronger military ties between the two countries. Ministry of Defence spokesman Colonel Hu Changming said there were "difficulties" in military relations with the world superpower.
"In this new period we hope that both China and the US could make joint efforts to create favourable conditions and improve and promote military-to-military relations," Hu told reporters in Beijing.
International polls have, however, shown huge public support for the Democratic president-in-waiting.
A BBC World Service poll of people in 17 countries found that more than two thirds on average believe Obama will improve the relationship between the United States and the rest of the world.
Ghanaians are most positive, on 87 percent, followed by Italy (79 percent), Germany and Spain (78 percent each).
Few words of encouragement were given to President George W. Bush as he left office, his legacy scarred by the Iraq war.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who repeatedly taunted his American counterpart, took one last shot at the outgoing president, saying "Adios Senor Bush."
 
 
 
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
 
 
   
Recommend this article
Average (1 vote)
Sign in to recommend this article »
Most Recommended Stories »
  
Related Articles: World
Obama to request suspension of Guantanamo casesAFP -  10 minutes ago
Madoff lieutenant seen as point man for prosecutorsReuters -  17 minutes ago
Israeli army says Gaza pullout completedAFP -  22 minutes ago
Iraq willing to see US troops leave earlyAP -  56 minutes ago
US seeks to suspend Gitmo war crimes trialsAP - 1 hour 3 minutes ago
 
 
 
 
Most Popular – World
 
 
 
 
 
 Viewed
 
 
 
 
Fairy godfather invites disadvantaged to inaugural ball
 
 
RBS shares collapse on forecast of record annual loss
 
 
'Dogs don't wear condoms,' says Baywatch star Anderson
 
 
US activists vent their rage as Bush exits
 
 
'Overwhelming emotion' at star-studded inaugural concert
 
 
View Complete List »
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
 
 Other News on Wednesday, 21 January 2009
 U.N. chief sees "heartbreaking" Gaza
 Hamas holds victory rallies as UN chief tours Gaza
 Zimbabwe MDC doubtful summit will resolve deadlock
| International
|
 Internet into overdrive as millions express Obama hopes Live!
 UN chief pays 'heartbreak' visit to Gaza as truce holds
 "Desperate Housewives" Star Marcia Cross' Husband Diagnosed With Cancer
 China blocks 244 new websites in porn crackdown
 Arab leaders remain 'in disarray' on Gaza war
 Inauguration Day
 Intel slashes processor prices as AMD looms
| Technology
|
 China: US arms sales to Taiwan 'harm' to relations
 Oil rises more than 3 percent on weather and OPEC
 Google to halt Print Ad program
| Technology
|
 Pakistan assault kills 38 militants
 Threat temporarily closes US consulate in Dubai
 China blocks 244 new websites in porn crackdown
| Technology
|
 2 men survive 25 days at sea bobbing in a cooler
 Barack Obama sworn in as first black US president
 16-year-old Chinese boy dies from H5N1 bird flu
 Claims of discrimination renewed in Japan
 US secures extra supply routes into Afghanistan
 Developing: Sens. Kennedy And Byrd Leave Luncheon For Medical Reasons
 Indian police charge Hindus over Muslim deaths
 As Obama's Sworn-In, Gen. Petraeus Meets With Pakistani Leaders
 Obama becomes first black U.S. president
 After Inauguration, Bushes Leave Washington For Texas
 Obama Takes Office Amid "Gathering Clouds And Raging Storms"
 Barack Obama Becomes 44th President Of The United States
 Wireless Cell Phone Networks Strained By Crowds In D.C. For Inauguration
 Barack Obama Is President
 Obama Begins Inauguration Day With Church Service
 World stocks lower as Obama takes oath
 Slumdog meant to capture Mumbai zest
| Entertainment
|
 Coldplay top nominee at BRIT music awards
| Entertainment
|
 Wireless Phone Companies Beef Up Coverage For Inauguration Crowd With Temporary Cell Phone Towers
 US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
 "Slumdog" meant to capture Mumbai zest
 Man pleads not guilty to Hudson family killings
 Coroner: Abdul fan died from overdose
 Czech PM says Entropa case "exaggerated"
 Obama family's Kenyan village in raptures as oath taken
 Country singer Jo Dee Messina delivers baby boy
 Marcia Cross' husband diagnosed with cancer
 Cruise brings "Valkyrie" to Berlin
 March 28 Is Serfs Emancipation Day In Tibet
 Hackers running fake Obama websites: security firm
 Tears, cheers for new president
 Apple starts to sell used products in China
 China warns of grim fight against deadly bird flu
| International
|
 Blasts hit US military, government convoys in Iraq
 Economic woes fault of 'greed, irresponsibility:' Obama
 US-TECH Summary
 Women may win seats, not rights, in Iraqi poll
| International
|
 Desperate to stay afloat, Chrysler latches onto Fiat
 Obama gives White House site online overhaul
 Ubisoft buys Brazilian videogame maker Southlogic Studios
 Group offers to stop harassing Japanese whalers
 US reaches deal on Afghan supply routes to troops
 Chavez hopes for change, still wary of 'US empire'
 Google to halt Print Ads program for newspapers
| Technology
|
 Update: Sen. Kennedy Well After Seizure
 Mexican Mogul Carlos Slim Invests $250 Million In Struggling New York Times
 Wall Street Tumbles On Banking Woes
 Harper To Obama: Canada Is A Major Ally Of The U.S.
 Seoul shares open lower; KT, KTF outperform
 NZ retail sales surprisingly firm in Nov
 Jim Carrey comes out at Sundance
| Entertainment
|
 Polanski lawyer wins stay of LA court hearing
 'Paul Blart' safely hauls in $39 million
 'Paul Blart: Mall Cop' tops North America box office
 Like never before, inauguration experienced online
 Obama's inauguration available everywhere on TV
 Poet offers 'praise song' for inauguration day
 Warner Bros. to slash 800 jobs: studio
 Suits play it safe, fit the bill on Milan runways
 Attorney: Ledger drug tape case over
 Israel completes Gaza troop withdrawal
| International
|
 Israeli army says Gaza pullout completed
 ETA to "target" builders of Basque high-speed train
 Nasty worm wriggles into millions of computers
 US secures extra supply routes into Afghanistan
 Internet into overdrive as millions express Obama hopes
 Economic woes fault of 'greed, irresponsibility:' Obama
 Writers call for China dissident's release
| International
|
 N.Korea can work with Obama: pro-Pyongyang paper
| International
|
 Feng shui masters see calmer markets in Year of the Ox
| International
|
 Obama gets down to work after historic inauguration
 China seeks to ease fears over bird flu threat
 Obama to request suspension of Guantanamo cases
 Microsoft expected to cut jobs as profit weakens
| Technology
|
 China issues nervous welcome to Obama
 Bush bids presidency a quiet farewell
 Indian PM undergoes heart tests
 Sony to announce restructuring details soon: FT
| Technology
|
 'Close Guantanamo,' Indonesians tell Obama
 World greets Obama with jubilation and caution
 Superjumbo flyover for late pioneering Australian aviator
 No regrets, says Bush on leaving White House
 SKorea's Lee says protest deaths 'heartbreaking'
 Cellular Carriers Manage Heavy Network Traffic On Obama Inauguration Day
 First Couple Celebrate Inauguration With 10 Balls
 Chinese translation cuts out parts of Obama speech
 Passengers Of Plane That Crash-Landed In River Get $5,000 Checks For Lost Baggage
 Chinese sites cut communism, dissent from Obama speech
 General Mills Joins Peanut Butter Products Recall, Pulls 2 Snack Bars From Stores
 Malaysia ruling party member faces bribery charge
 Six New Cabinet Appointees Get Senate Okay, Clinton Confirmation Stalled
 China Health Ministry: Bird flu epidemic unlikely
 Wipro quarterly profit rises 9 pct to $185 million
 Japan's Elpida in talks with Taiwan chip firms
 China Life warns 2008 profit may drop 50 percent
 Seoul shares fall on banks;Daewoo Ship outperforms
 Taiwan sells 294-day T-bills at 0.399 percent yield
 RPT-Pakistani c.bank sells 10 bln rupees of T-bills
 Jim Carrey comes out at Sundance
| Entertainment
|
 Samsung may report first ever quarterly loss
 Philippine stock index down 3 percent on US slump
 Magnolia buys Humpday at Sundance
| Entertainment
|
 SKorean exports fall sharply: customs agency
 Jenkins, Whitford lured to Cabin in the Woods
| Entertainment
|
 'Congratulations Barry,' say Obama's Indonesian schoolmates
 China planning big support for energy, textile sectors: reports
 California court puts Polanski sex case on hold
| Entertainment
|
 Rapper 50 Cent expands empire to filmmaking
| Entertainment
|
 All hands on deck for inauguration
| Entertainment
|
 Iron Maiden documentary set for spring release
| Entertainment
|
 Magnolia buys "Humpday" at Sundance
 Wireless Networks Cope With High Volume Of Calls During Obama Inauguration
 Iron Maiden documentary set for spring release
 19th century France, Japan share glances at Tokyo exhibit
 Jenkins, Whitford lured to "Cabin in the Woods"
 Obamas dance to 'At Last'
 Magnolia buys "Humpday" at Sundance
 Joyous crowds celebrate dawning of Obama era
 A historic moment unfolds in frigid temps
 Celebrities get prime view of Obama's inauguration
 Bawdy Australian Open sideshow told to tone it down
 There's no way off the road known as Camino Real
 U.S. consulate in Dubai closes for security reasons
 Petraeus on Afghan visit after supply routes deal
| International
|
 Network supplier Ericsson reports sharply lower net income
 Israelis, Palestinians hand Obama first challenge
 South Korea's Lee calls protest deaths heartbreaking
| International
|
 Shia LaBeouf's Driver License Suspended For A Year
 GM warns will run out of cash without rest of govt loan
 Israeli army probes use of phosphorus in Gaza: report
 John Travolta Asks Police To Investigate Extortion Threats Made Against His Family
 Suicide bomb kills 2 Afghan soldiers, wounds 3
| International
|
 US commander briefs Karzai on US Afghanistan surge
 U.S. consulate in Dubai closes for security reasons
| International
|
 Iraq to bring unwanted Saddam yacht home
| International
|
 Indonesian gets 1 year in activist's poisoning
 New Nigeria oil firm to rival Petrobras, Saudi Aramco
 Health Ministry: 2 Indonesians died of bird flu
 Taiwan's Lu shocks Nalbandian at Aussie Open
 US-UAE nuclear energy pact has messages for Iran
 Relatives of Taiwan's Chen plead guilty in scandal
 India disagrees with Britain over security and Kashmir
 Thai PM pledges to work with UN refugee agency
 SKorean officials probe clash that left 6 dead
 World Celebrates With U.S. Obama Inauguration
 Taiwan: Island will discuss cooperation with China
 Paterson Hints He Is Considering Cuomo To Replace Hillary Clinton As New York Senator
 Report: NKorea could give up nukes for US ties
 Racine, WI Mayor Resigns After Being Charged In Internet Child Sex Sting
 Chinese translation cuts out parts of Obama speech
 Obama's Inauguration Fails To Steer Financial Markets
 A Deeper Bank Crisis Waits Obama Administration
 Deaths Of 15 Sharks At Indianapolis Zoo Blamed On Human Error
 Portland, OR Mayor Admits To Having Relationship With 18-Year-Old
 Sony Employees Braces For Restructuring
 China shares down on dismal earnings forecasts
 Pakistan rates seen on hold despite growth worries
 Hong Kongs stock index falls nearly 3 percent
 Samsung may report first ever quarterly loss
 Hello Kitty invades Taiwan maternity ward
 Pakistan's Engro net profit up 34.6 pct
 Financial fears weigh on Asian stocks
 Japan's Nikkei at 7-week low on bank jitters
 SKorea's Samsung replaces most overseas unit chiefs in reshuffle
 UK play examines greed, envy on bank trading floor
| Entertainment
|
 Sony Announces Restructuring Plan
 15 Bonnethead Sharks Die At Indianapolis Zoo
 Nominees for the third Asian Film Awards
 Korean western front-runner at Asian Film Awards
 UK play examines greed, envy on bank trading floor
 Obama city in Japan celebrates with temple bells, dancing
 Obama who? NKorean media is silent on US's big day
 Breaking down barriers at Paris elite school
 Afghan unrest killed 4,000 civilians in 2008: report
 World powers to meet to discuss Iran next month
| International
|
 Four students killed in Iraqi violence ahead of polls
 Dutch court orders prosecution of anti-Islam politician
 China extends "lewd" crackdown to mobile phones
 Lawsuit Over Heath Ledger's Cocaine Video Reaches Settlement
 Germany forecasts worst recession since World War II
 Alyssa Milano Drops Her Retraining Order Request In L.A.
 Treasury pick vows aggressive action to kick-start economy
 Baghdad bomb targets university dean killing four
 Sudanese men deny murdering U.S. diplomat
| International
|
 Microsoft expected to cut jobs
 Paula Abdul's Stalker's Death Ruled A Suicide
 Obama wakes up to worsening banks crisis
 Macaulay Culkin's Sister Ruled Legally Drunk When She Died
 After 3-1/2 years, U.S. opens Baghdad water plant
 Obama faces plunging stock markets as party ends
 Jennifer Hudson's Brother-In-Law Pleads Not Guilty To Murdering Her Family
 Pricing fears rise in shrinking cell phone market
 US-TECH Summary
 China extends "lewd" crackdown to mobile phones
 China extends lewd crackdown to mobile phones
| Technology
|
 NKorea, Iran open to US efforts to defuse tension
 Apple faces SEC review over Jobs health disclosure: report
| Technology
|
 Tajikistan warns of possible water shortage crisis
 Ex-Taiwan leader's relatives plead guilty to money laundering
 Oil prices drift upwards
 Thailand refuses to grant access to Myanmar boat people
 Pricing fears rise in shrinking cell phone market
| Technology
|
 China seizes tainted milk parents to stop court visit
 Chinese censors cut communism, dissent from Obama speech
 Taliban demands end to music on Pakistan buses
 Republicans Welcome New President; 'Look Forward' To Working With Obama
 Chinese envoy visiting NKorea could report on Kim
 Rebels to boycott India's national day
 Canton, GA Police Awaiting Autopsy In Suspected Foul Play Death Of Eye Doctor
 White House Unveils New Website For President Obama
 Cox Resigns As SEC Chairman
 President Obama Orders Trials For Guantanamo Prisoners Halted
 Former U.S. Attorney Leads Lehman Bankruptcy Probe
 Former President Bush Comes Home To Texas 'With Head Held High'
 President Obama To Meet With Military Leaders, Petraeus On First Full Day In Office
 Mixed Reviews For Rick Warren's Invocation
 Senate To Resume Confirmation Hearing For Incoming Treasury Sec. Tim Geithner Wednesday
 India's Wipro third-quarter profits up 17.5 percent
 India's securities regulator ups disclosure rules
 Mike Myers bomb leads Razzie contenders
| Entertainment
|
 Oil prices drift upwards
 Slumdog didn't capture Mumbai perfectly: director
| Entertainment
|
 Taiwan's ProMOS sells property to Kingston for $15 mln
 Sundance gets rare look at fashion bible Vogue
| Entertainment
|
 America's 44th President Has A New Portal
 Hackers Breach Major Credit Card Processor
 Crisis or creativity at men's fashion shows?
 Michelle Obama becomes First Fashion Lady
 Obama stage musical set for London run
 John Woo's 'Red Cliff' heads nominations for Asian Film Awards
 Mike Myers bomb leads Razzie contenders
 Left feet, long lines and loving celebs at balls
 Sundance gets rare look at fashion bible Vogue
 Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
 Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
 Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
 AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
 The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
 AMD to Start Production of piledriver
 Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
 Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
 Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
 ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
 Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
 What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
 AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
 Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
 Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
 Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights