What world leaders are saying

World leaders have commented on British Prime Minister Tony Blair winning a historic third term in office.

Blair won the national elections by a reduced majority

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi: “This extraordinary result gives you a deserved place in history and rewards your political direction and that of your government. You are an example for all of us, for what you have done in these past eight years and also, I am sure, for what you will continue to do in the future.”

German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder: “I wish you from the bottom of my heart success, good fortune and personal happiness for both those tasks [Britain‘s leadership in the G8 and European Union]. You can count on my support.”

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso: “I look forward to working together to address the crucial challenges ahead of us, especially during the British presidency of the EU in the second half of this year. Our close cooperation is indispensable to the success of the European Union.”

 

French President Jacques Chira: “I am delighted we can develop the Franco-British relationship in the service of our great nations and the European Union, in the spirit of trust that continues to drive us.”

 

Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern: “I look forward to a continuation of the close personal friendship and working relationship that the prime minister and I have established particularly in our common efforts to advance the Northern Ireland peace process.”

 

Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen: “I have great respect for Tony Blair, who, if anyone, has shown that he is a man who dares stand his ground.”

Israel Foreign Ministry statement: “Tony Blair is a staunch friend of Israel and we look forward to working closely on the Middle East peace process and strengthening our bilateral relationship with the UK.”

Blair’s stand on Iraq

 

Australian Prime Minister John Howard: “He had to fight very strong opposition [on Iraq] within his own ranks and the steadfastness and commitment he displayed on that issue certainly impressed me and I believe many others who shared his convictions and my convictions on the issue of Iraq.”

 

Bandar al-Aiban, head of Foreign Affairs Committee, Saudi Arabia‘s consultative Shura Council: “It has been evident that the war on Iraq was not popular, not just in our region but also in the countries which waged the war. That’s evident in what we’ve seen in elections in Spain and Britain, and also in Italy.

 

“No doubt it has been a very controversial issue. Now the question is can people get together to help Iraq rebuild, and solve the major problem of the region – the Palestinian question.”

 

South Africa Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad: “Clearly a historic victory by the Labour Party has taken place, but clearly they have lost close to 100 seats … obviously the Iraq situation has had some impact and they will have to begin to understand that the will of the people is determined by such issues.”

Source: News Agencies