
STORY:
Barack Obama would have won easily by a landslide if Europeans had been voting. This Parisian spoke for many.
[Marie, Paris Resident]:
“I’m happy for America to have a great president as he is.”
In London there was widespread support.
[Steve Lig, Civil Servant]:
“It’s a tough job ahead but the British people are behind you.”
[Oyem Hospital Medical Worker]:
“I am happy that the message that you have sent out to all black people is really good.”
And down under they were equally welcoming.
[Australian Resident]:
“A positive change for America so I wish him all the best.”
[Australian Resident]:
“I think it is brilliant, absolutely exciting and I think it will be good for Australia.”
Moscovites weren’t quite so enthusiastic but many do welcome the change.
[Alexander Fyodorov, Moscow Engineer]:
“I hope that you will develop peaceful and friendly relationship between our two countries.”
In China, too, there’s a sense that America may now become a more outward-looking nation.
[Qiu Xiaohui, Student]:
“I hope you can help American people set up more understanding to Chinese. And maybe also help all the people from the world to know what happens in China.”
[Zhang Weihui, Office Worker]:
“I think that your colour skin gives you some advantages that will bring hope to a lot of people around the world.”
In Israel there’s concern over Obama’s position on Iran
[Rita, Israeli Resident]:
“He should be careful. He is young. He hasn’t got a lot of experience, and he shouldn’t be naive.”
But many do hope he can succeed where previous leaders have failed.
[Abdel-Hamid Fayyad, Gaza Resident]:
“In the name of the Palestinian nation, I ask Obama to find a just solution for the Palestinian cause. I hope that he will be better than the ones before.”
[Rami, Jerusalem Resident]:
“All the people who live here in Israel, we want to live in peace.”
Back in a wet and windy Paris a former Labour Minister had one final message for Obama.
[Jean Auroux, Former French Labor Minister]:
“Good luck to you, good luck to America and good luck for peace in the world.”
Few would disagree with that and in the current economic climate he’s likely to need it.
Author: NTDTV
Keywords: ntd ntdtv news
Added: November 8, 2008