November 5, 2004

THE SAUDI LEADERSHIP CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT BUSH ON HIS RE-ELECTION AND LOOKS FORWARD TO ENHANCE COOPERATION TO ACHIEVE JUST PEACE AND FIGHT TERRORISM. PRESIDENT BUSH RE-ELECTED FOR FOUR MORE YEARS. MUBARAK EXPRESSES HOPES THAT BUSH WOULD USE HIS SECOND TERM IN OFFICE TO BRING PEACE TO THE REGION. ARAFAT HOPES THAT BUSH'S SECOND TERM WILL BE AN OPPORTUNITY TO SECURE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz, sent a cable of congratulations to President George W. Bush of the United States of America on the occasion of his re-election for the second presidential term. In his cable, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques affirmed the continuation of fruitful cooperation with the U.S. president to enhance the distinguished and historical relations existing between the two countries and their peoples to serve outstanding international issues and to serve peace and security all over the world particularly in the Middle East. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques wished the U.S. president all success, continuous good health and happiness and the U.S. friendly people steady progress and prosperity. Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard sent a cable of congratulations to President George W. Bush of the United States of America on the occasion of his re-election for the second presidential term. In his cable, the Crown Prince looks forward to the continuation of close cooperation with the U.S. president and his administration to enhance friendship and the historical relations existing between the two countries and their peoples in various political, economic and trade fields for the mutual interest of all and for the service of world peace and security pertaining to reaching a peaceful, just and permanent solution to the Palestinian issue, combating terrorism and achieving security and peace in brotherly Iraq. Crown Prince Abdullah wished the U.S. president continuous good health and happiness and the U.S. friendly people steady progress and prosperity. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Prime Ministre, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General sent a cable of congratulations to President George W. Bush of the United States of America on the occasion of his re-election for the second presidential term. In his cable, Prince Sultan hoped that fruitful cooperation will be continued by all for the interest and prosperity of the two countries and their peoples to enhance the distinguished and historical relations existing between them to spread peace and prosperity all over the world and love and fraternity in the hearts of all peoples. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz wished the U.S. president all success, continuous good health and happiness and the U.S. friendly people steady progress and prosperity. President George W. Bush won a second term in the White House from a divided and concerned nation and pledged to "fight this war on terror with every resource of our national power." John Kerry conceded defeat rather than back an election challenge in make-or-break Ohio. "I will need your support and I will work to earn it," the president said in an appeal to the 55 million Americans who voted for his Democratic rival. "We are entering a season of hope," he said. The president spoke before thousands of cheering supporters less than an hour after his vanquished rival conceded defeat. "We cannot win this election," the Massachusetts senator said in an emotional campaign farewell in Boston. In his message, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz reaffirmed his desire to work with the president to strengthen the historic relations between the two countries as well as to resolve outstanding international issues to reinforce world peace and security. "I am looking forward to continue the strong cooperation with you and your administration to bolster the friendly relations between our governments and peoples in political, economic and commercial and other areas," Prince Abdullah said and pledged Saudi Arabia's support to US efforts to find a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue, fight terrorism and bring about peace and security in Iraq. The re-election triumph gave the president a new term to pursue the war in Iraq and a conservative, tax-cutting agenda at home and probably the chance to name one or more justices to an aging Supreme Court. He also will preside alongside expanded Republican majorities in Congress. The GOP gained four Senate seats and bolstered its majority in the House by at least two. Bush sketched only the barest outline of a second term agenda, talking of reforming an "outdated tax code," overhauling Social Security and upholding the "deepest values of family and faith." Hours earlier, Kerry had telephoned Bush to offer a private concession. Aides to both men stressed they had agreed on a need to heal the nation after a long and frequently bitter campaign. Ohio's 20 electoral votes gave Bush 274, four more than the 270 needed for victory. Kerry had 252 electoral votes, with Iowa (7) and New Mexico (5) unsettled. Bush was winning 51 percent of the popular vote to 48 percent for his rival. He led by more than 3 million ballots. Officials in both camps described the telephone conversation between two campaign warriors. A Democratic source said Bush called Kerry a worthy, tough and honorable opponent. Kerry told Bush the country was too divided, and Bush agreed, the source said. Yet Kerry's public remarks contained an element of challenge to the Republican president. "America is in need of unity and longing for a larger measure of compassion," he said. "I hope President Bush will advance those values in the coming years." Kerry placed his call after weighing unattractive options overnight. With Bush holding fast to a six-figure lead, Kerry could give up or trigger a struggle that would have stirred memories of the bitter recount in Florida that propelled Bush to the White House in 2000. Kerry's call was the last bit of drama in a campaign full of it. While Bush remains in the White House, Kerry returns to the Senate, part of the shrunken Democratic minority. He acted, hours after White House chief of staff Andy Card declared Bush the winner and White House aides said the president was giving Kerry time to consider his next step. One senior Democrat familiar with the discussions in Boston said Kerry's running mate, North Carolina Sen. John Edwards, was suggesting that he should not concede. The power of incumbency and an advantageous GOP redistricting in Texas swept Republicans to another two years of control over the House of Representatives. Virtually all sitting representatives in the 435-member House won re-election, leaving Speaker Dennis Hastert, Majority Leader Tom DeLay and their GOP majority firmly in charge. Republicans were poised to add a few seats as they embark on another term of House control the first time the party has achieved 12 consecutive years in power in the chamber since the dozen years that ended in January 1933. "The American people have spoken and their message is that they want Republican leadership in the House of Representatives to continue," Rep. Tom Reynolds, R-N.Y., head of the House GOP campaign organization, said yesterday. DeLay, whose push for redistricting in Texas helped the GOP knock off four veteran Texas Democrats, also saw the elections as an affirmation of Republican leadership. "The American people have spoken tonight, and all indications are that they have hired a Republican House of Representatives for the sixth straight election," DeLay said late Tuesday. Republicans also gained seats in the Senate, keeping Congress under party control. But Democrats will retain enough votes there to make it hard for Republicans to push through their programs. In the House, Democrats knocked off one Republican incumbent Rep. Philip M. Crane of Illinois, the party's longest-serving member but came nowhere close to taking the 12 seats they needed to win back control. By Wednesday morning, Republicans had won 229 seats and were leading in four other races, which could give them at least 233 seats. Democrats had won 200 seats and led in one other contest. Republicans hold a 227-205 advantage over Democrats in the outgoing House, plus two vacant seats formerly held by Republicans who have retired and one independent who sides with Democrats. A minimum of 218 seats are needed for House control. Nearly all incumbents sailed to re-election, including former presidential hopeful Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio. Also returned for a second term was Rep. Katherine Harris, R-Fla., who was secretary of state during the pivotal presidential recount in the Sunshine State four years ago. Besides Hastert and DeLay, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi of California and No. 2 Democrat Steny Hoyer of Maryland all won re-election. President Bush Thanked Americans in his Acceptance Speech. He said: Thank you all. Thank you all for coming. We had a long night -- and a great night. The voters turned out in record numbers and delivered an historic victory. Earlier today, Senator Kerry called with his congratulations. We had a really good phone call, he was very gracious. Senator Kerry waged a spirited campaign, and he and his supporters can be proud of their efforts. Laura and I wish Senator Kerry and Teresa and their whole family all our best wishes. America has spoken, and I'm humbled by the trust and the confidence of my fellow citizens. With that trust comes a duty to serve all Americans, and I will do my best to fulfill that duty every day as your President. There are many people to thank, and my family comes first. Laura is the love of my life. I'm glad you love her, too. I want to thank our daughters, who joined their dad for his last campaign. I appreciate the hard work of my sister and my brothers. I especially want to thank my parents for their loving support. I'm grateful to the Vice President and Lynne and their daughters, who have worked so hard and been such a vital part of our team. The Vice President serves America with wisdom and honor, and I'm proud to serve beside him. I want to thank my superb campaign team. I want to thank you all for your hard work. I was impressed every day by how hard and how skillful our team was. I want to thank Marc -- Chairman Marc Racicot and -- the Campaign Manager, Ken Mehlman. And the architect, Karl Rove. I want to thank Ed Gillespie for leading our Party so well. I want to thank the thousands of our supporters across our country. I want to thank you for your hugs on the rope lines; I want to thank you for your prayers on the rope lines; I want to thank you for your kind words on the rope lines. I want to thank you for everything you did to make the calls and to put up the signs, to talk to your neighbors and to get out the vote. And because you did the incredible work, we are celebrating today. There's an old saying, "Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers; pray for powers equal to your tasks." In four historic years, America has been given great tasks, and faced them with strength and courage. Our people have restored the vigor of this economy, and shown resolve and patience in a new kind of war. Our military has brought justice to the enemy, and honor to America. Our nation has defended itself, and served the freedom of all mankind. I'm proud to lead such an amazing country, and I'm proud to lead it forward. Because we have done the hard work, we are entering a season of hope. We'll continue our economic progress. We'll reform our outdated tax code. We'll strengthen the Social Security for the next generation. We'll make public schools all they can be. And we will uphold our deepest values of family and faith. We will help the emerging democracies of Iraq and Afghanistan -- -- so they can grow in strength and defend their freedom. And then our servicemen and women will come home with the honor they have earned. With good allies at our side, we will fight this war on terror with every resource of our national power so our children can live in freedom and in peace. Reaching these goals will require the broad support of Americans. So today I want to speak to every person who voted for my opponent: To make this nation stronger and better I will need your support, and I will work to earn it. I will do all I can do to deserve your trust. A new term is a new opportunity to reach out to the whole nation. We have one country, one Constitution and one future that binds us. And when we come together and work together, there is no limit to the greatness of America. Let me close with a word to the people of the state of Texas. We have known each other the longest, and you started me on this journey. On the open plains of Texas, I first learned the character of our country: sturdy and honest, and as hopeful as the break of day. I will always be grateful to the good people of my state. And whatever the road that lies ahead, that road will take me home. The campaign has ended, and the United States of America goes forward with confidence and faith. I see a great day coming for our country and I am eager for the work ahead. God bless you, and May God bless America. U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan congratulated U.S. President George W Bush on Wednesday on winning a second four-year term after a hard fought battle against his Democratic opponent Sen. John Kerry. "The secretary general warmly congratulates President Bush on his re-election, and the American people on the impressive demonstration of democracy they have given by turning out in record numbers to participate in yesterday's election," Annan's spokesman said in a statement. The European Union executive's leader Wednesday extended "warm congratulations" to US President George W. Bush on his re-election and pledged Europe's renewed commitment to the transatlantic link. Officials on both sides said they hoped Bush's second term would turn a new page on the past four years' bitter rancour caused by a host of differences dominated by the war in Iraq. Romano Prodi, the caretaker chief of the EU's executive commission, said: "My warm congratulations to President Bush on his re-election after a difficult ballot whose outcome was far from sure. "Europe will continue to work to strengthen its bonds of friendship and cooperation with the United States," said Prodi, who has remained in office pending the delayed arrival of a new European Commission. "Those bonds, which have never been called into question, are vital to maintaining peace in the world on the basis of multilaterally shared principles and values." Prodi said that in his first term, Bush "has had to deal with the horrifying onslaught of terrorism". "I hope his second term will see the United States and the whole world enjoy the political stabilisation and the guarantee of collective security we have all done our utmost to ensure," he said. Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated George W. Bush on his reelection as U.S. president. During a telephone conversation on Thursday, Putin and Bush expressed confidence that they will be able to put into practice all projects as part of Russian-U.S. cooperation during the upcoming period, the Russian presidential press service said. Planned bilateral meetings at various levels, including presidential summits, were discussed as well. In Baghdad a number of Iraqi politicians expressed their wish for Bush to win the elections, Muwafak Al Rubaie Advisor to the interim government said that Bush re-elections is good news for Iraq. Iraqi interim prime minister Ayed Allawi said it will remain a friend of the United States and would have done so no matter who won the election. "We will always be grateful to America for what it has done [helped ousted former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein], and what it continues to do," Mr. Allawi told an Italian newspaper on Wednesday. French President Jacques Chirac followed other European leaders Wednesday in congratulating U.S. President George W. Bush on his re-election. In a letter addressed "Dear George," Chirac -- one of the Republican President's biggest war critics -- extended his best wishes to Bush in the name of France and of himself. "It is in a spirit of dialogue, esteem and mutual respect that we must continue to develop our cooperation, our shared fight against terrorism and the action we carry together to promote liberty and democracy," the French president wrote. Chirac told the U.S. president a close transatlantic partnership is essential if the two continents are to meet a variety of challenges confronting them. Experts are divided over whether transatlantic differences involving the Iraq war and a host of other issues will ease or further widen during a second Bush term. "We are been staunch allies and friends for a long time," said French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier in an interview on France 2 TV last Wednesday night, in which he sought to downplay the transatlantic rift. While France and the United States disagree on the Iraq war and Europeans and American have two different views of how to build world order, Barnier said "these reasons are reasons to dialogue together" in a climate of mutual respect. In Egypt President Hosni Mubarak congratulated his American counterpart George W. Bush on his re-election Wednesday. Mubarak expressed hope that Bush would use his second term in office to bring peace to the region. "I am pleased to congratulate you on your re-election as US President for a second term," said Mubarak. He added that the US and Egypt have always enjoyed unique relations, strengthened under Bush's leadership. Mubarak praised the strong ties between the two countries and expressed hope that during his second term in office, Bush would exert more effort to bring about "a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East by establishing a Palestinian state alongside the state of Israel." He also expressed hope that "security, stability and sovereignty would be restored in Iraq" and that Bush would do more to "rid the Middle East of all weapons of mass destruction". The cable also urged Bush to continue combating terrorism and violence, but by "dealing actively with its root causes" and helping "to overcome the political, economic and social problems facing people" around the world. Mubarak finally wished the US President success in achieving his objectives. Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat congratulated US President George W. Bush on his winning a second term and hoped he would help bring peace to West Asia, an aide said last Wednesday. ''President Arafat wishes President Bush success in his second term and congratulates him for winning the confidence of the American people,'' senior aide Mohammad Rashid said in Paris, where the 75-year-old leader is undergoing medical tests. ''He hopes that Bush's second term will be an important opportunity for Bush to secure the requirements for peace in the Middle East and to guarantee the just national rights of the Palestinian people,'' added Rashid. Palestinian officials expressed hope Wednesday that US President George W. Bush's second term in the White House will bring changes to his policy toward the Middle East and the Palestinians in particular. Palestinian representative to France, Leila Shahid, said Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, who is receiving medical treatment at a French hospital, expressed his hope that Bush's second term in office will be different from his first regarding the Palestinian issue, the Voice of Palestine radio reported. Bush, who shunned Arafat during his first four years in office and has never received him at the White House, called Arafat "irrelevant" and "an obstacle to peace." Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat said, "Now that the US elections are behind us, we hope President Bush will show more interest in the peace process and work on returning the parties to the negotiating table." Erekat said he hoped Bush will revive the Middle East quartet, which groups the United States, the European Union, Russia and the United Nations, and "do everything he can to end the (Israeli) occupation" of the West Bank and Gaza. Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath echoed Erekat's hope by saying, "We will demand Bush meet his election commitments and promises in which he said he will exert more efforts to bring Israel back to the roadmap (peace plan)." "We hope Bush will work toward reviving the peace process," Shaath said. Tony Blair made a strong public appeal to President Bush to use his second term to revitalise the Middle East peace process. Speaking in Downing Street, the Prime Minister sought to capitalise on his strong personal relationship with the re-elected US President by urging him to tackle the causes of global terrorism, warning bluntly that it would "not be defeated by military might alone". Mr Blair declared: "The need to revitalise the Middle East peace process is the single most pressing political challenge in our world today." He added: "Therefore we must be relentless in our war against terrorism and in resolving the conditions and causes on which the terrorists prey." Mr Blair appealed to the US and European leaders to "build anew" their alliance following the bitter divisions caused by Iraq. "A world that is fractured, divided and uncertain must be brought together," he said.