Election quotes from world leaders

"The news we are receiving on the results of the American presidential election shows that everyone has the right to hope for a freshening of U.S. approaches to all the most complex issues, including foreign policy and therefore relations with the Russian Federation as well."

-- Grigory Karasin, Russian deputy foreign minister

"Your extraordinary journey to the White House will inspire people not only in your country but also around the world."

-- Manhoman Singh, Indian prime minister

"I think you will hear a lot of discussion and goals and slogans during the election campaigns. When there is a reality check, I think any U.S. president has to look very hard at the facts on the ground."

-- Hoshiyar Zabari, Iraqi foreign minister

"Israel expects the close strategic cooperation with the new administration, president and Congress will continue along with the continued strengthening of the special and unshakable special relationship between the two countries."

-- Tzipi Livni, Israeli foreign minister

"We, the Kenyan people, are immensely proud of your Kenyan roots. Your victory is not only an inspiration to millions of people all over the world, but it has special resonance with us here in Kenya."

-- Mwai Kibaki, Kenyan president. Nov. 6 was declared a public holiday in Kenya in celebration of Obama's victory.

"Believers are praying that God will enlighten him and help him in his great responsibility, which is enormous because of the global importance of the United States ... We hope Obama can fulfill the expectations and hopes that many have in him."

-- The Rev. Frederico Lombardi, Pope Benedict's spokesman

"Barack Obama ran an inspirational campaign, energizing politics with his progressive values and his vision for the future. I know Barack Obama, and we share many values. We both have determination to show that government can act to help people fairly through these difficult times facing the global economy."

-- Gordon Brown, British prime minister

"The Chinese government and I, myself, have always attached great importance to China-U.S. relations. In the new historic era, I look forward to working together with you to continuously strengthen dialogue and exchanges between our two countries."

-- Hu Jintao, Chinese president

Quotes from world leaders taken from www.uk.news.yahoo.com

Contact staff writers Emily Viviani and Jessie Murray at emily.viviani@richmond.edu or jessica.murray@richmond.edu