World Leaders Congratulate Bush

Dec. 14 -- As many of them had done once before just weeks ago, the nations of the world sent their congratulations to the new president-elect.

More than a month after Election Day, world leaders seemed ready, even eager, to work with President-elect George W. Bush. Or maybe they were just as relieved as Americans that the long legal battle was finally over.

“My warmest congratulations on your victory in the presidential election,” said British Prime Minister Tony Blair. “I know that together we will strengthen still further the special friendship between Britain and the United States.”

On election night, many nations sent out congratulatory messages to Bush only to realize that the contest was far from over (see related story). Some nations even retracted their congratulations.

That will not be necessary this time.

“It was a long and agonizing wait for you. I’m very glad it is finally settled,” said Blair.

Bush a Cherished Name in Germany

German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder hurriedly sent his congratulations.

In a statement released in the middle of the night in Germany, Schroeder said the Bush name was popular and cherished in Germany because of the role his father George Bush had played in helping East and West Germany reunite in 1990.

“I wish you good fortune and success in your office as president of the United States,” Schroeder said. “The friendship between Germany and the United States is on a firm foundation. The decisive role that the United States played under the leadership of your father in helping reunite Germany is deeply embedded in the consciousness of all Germans.”

Despite early opposition from some European countries such as Britain and France, the United States during George Bush’s presidency was an immediate and enthusiastic supporter of West German efforts to reunite Germany following the collapse of the Berlin Wall in November 1989.

In Denmark, Foreign Minister Niels Helveg Petersen said he wassatisfied with Bush’s commitment to the NATO alliance and the U.S.ability “to step in with the needed necessary means when there areinternational crises.”