Obama wins U.S. presidential elections

U.S. president-elect says to support peace seekers, defeat those who would tear world apart

Saudi King, CP congratulate Obama

Arab, Islamic world leaders assert desire to work with Obama to realize peace

Sen. Barack Obama spoke at a rally in Grant Park in Chicago, Illinois, after winning the race for the White House Tuesday night.

The following is an exact transcript of his speech:

Obama:

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen, by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different, that their voices could be that difference.

It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled. Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states.

We are, and always will be, the United States of America.

It's the answer that led those who've been told for so long by so many to be cynical and fearful and doubtful about what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.

It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this date in this election at this defining moment change has come to America.

A little bit earlier this evening, I received an extraordinarily gracious call from Sen. McCain.

Sen. McCain fought long and hard in this campaign. And he's fought even longer and harder for the country that he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine. We are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader.

I congratulate him; I congratulate Gov. Palin for all that they've achieved. And I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead.

I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart, and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on the train home to Delaware, the vice president-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.

And I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last 16 years the rock of our family, the love of my life, the nation's next first lady Michelle Obama.

Sasha and Malia I love you both more than you can imagine. And you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the new White House.

And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother's watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight. I know that my debt to them is beyond measure.

To my sister Maya, my sister Alma, all my other brothers and sisters, thank you so much for all the support that you've given me. I am grateful to them.

And to my campaign manager, David Plouffe, the unsung hero of this campaign, who built the best -- the best political campaign, I think, in the history of the United States of America.

To my chief strategist David Axelrod who's been a partner with me every step of the way.

To the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done.

But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to. It belongs to you. It belongs to you.

I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington. It began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston. It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give $5 and $10 and $20 to the cause.

It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep.

It drew strength from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on doors of perfect strangers, and from the millions of Americans who volunteered and organized and proved that more than two centuries later a government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from the Earth.

And I know you didn't do this just to win an election. And I know you didn't do it for me.

You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime -- two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.

Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us.

There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after the children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage or pay their doctors' bills or save enough for their child's college education.

There's new energy to harness, new jobs to be created, new schools to build, and threats to meet, alliances to repair.

The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.

I promise you, we as a people will get there.

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president. And we know the government can't solve every problem.

But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And, above all, I will ask you to join in the work of remaking this nation, the only way it's been done in America for 221 years -- block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.

What began 21 months ago in the depths of winter cannot end on this autumn night.

This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were.

It can't happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice.

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of responsibility, where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves but each other.

Let us remember that, if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers.

In this country, we rise or fall as one nation, as one people. Let's resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that have poisoned our politics for so long.

Let's remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House, a party founded on the values of self-reliance and individual liberty and national unity.

Those are values that we all share. And while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress.

As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.

And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too.

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces, to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of the world, our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand.

To those -- to those who would tear the world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.

That's the true genius of America: that America can change. Our union can be perfected. What we've already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight's about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing: Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.

She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons -- because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.

And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America -- the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.

At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.

When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs, a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.

When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.

She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." Yes we can.

A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination.

And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change.

Yes we can.

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves -- if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment.

This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.

Thank you. God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America.

Barack Obama was elected the nation's first black president Tuesday night in a historic triumph that overcame racial barriers as old as America itself.

The 47-year-old Democratic senator from Illinois sealed his victory by defeating Republican Sen. John McCain in a string of wins in hard fought battleground states -- Ohio, Florida, Virginia and Iowa.

Obama crossed the requisite threshold of 270 electoral votes to defeat Republican rival John McCain last night when television networks projected him winning the state of California. He had at least 338 electoral votes to McCain's 156.

Republican John McCain congratulated Democrat Barack Obama for winning the U.S. presidency on Tuesday, saying "the American people have spoken" and promising to help his former rival address the country’s many challenges.

McCain addressed his supporters in an emotional speech at a Phoenix hotel after telephoning Obama to concede the election. Obama later said McCain’s call had been "extraordinarily gracious."

"We have come to the end of a long journey. The American people have spoken, and they have spoken clearly," McCain said.

"Senator Obama has achieved a great thing for himself and for his country. I applaud him for it."

The 72-year-old Arizona senator urged all Americans -- including his supporters -- to rally behind Obama, saying he planned to help the new president-elect tackle the myriad issues the country faced.

"It’s natural, tonight, to feel some disappointment. But tomorrow, we must move beyond it and work together to get our country moving again," McCain told his supporters, shushing them occasionally with "please, please" when they booed his mentions of Obama.

US President George W. Bush publicly congratulated Barack Obama on his historic victory and vowed "complete cooperation" as the first black US president moves into the White House.

"Last night, I had a warm conversation with president-elect Barack Obama. I congratulated him and Senator (Joe) Biden on their impressive victory," Bush said as he broke his much-noted public silence on the election.

With 76 days left in his term, Bush said he had telephoned Obama, after voters decided the longest and costliest US presidential race, to invite him and wife Michelle Obama to the White House "as soon as possible."

"I told the president-elect he can count on complete cooperation from my administration as he makes the transition to the White House," the outgoing president said in a three-minute statement in the Rose Garden.

Bush also said he and First Lady Laura Bush had invited Obama and wife Michelle Obama to come to the presidential mansion, "and Laura and I are looking forward to welcoming them as soon as possible."

The US president, whose vast unpopularity weighed down fellow Republican and chosen successor John McCain's campaign, also left little doubt he would be calling the shots until midday on January 20.

Bush made no mention of consulting Obama but promised to keep him "fully informed on important decisions" while stressing: "There's important work to do in the months ahead, and I will continue to conduct the people's business as long as this office remains in my trust."

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called President-elect Barack Obama "inspirational," saying his election marked "an extraordinary step forward" for race relations.

Rice, the first black woman to serve as the nation's top diplomat, told reporters she was filled with pride to see Obama elected America's first African American president, even if they belong to opposing political parties.

"This was an exercise in American democracy of which Americans across the political spectrum are justifiably proud," Rice told reporters as she prepared to travel to the Middle East.

She praised her fellow Republican John McCain, a 72-year-old white senator from Arizona, as "gracious" in his defeat to Obama, a 47-year-old Democrat and first-term senator from Illinois.

Rice also called McCain a "great patriot" for his days as a Navy pilot who was shot down and seriously wounded during the Vietnam war.

"I want to note that president-elect Obama was inspirational and I'm certain he will continue to be," she said, vowing she and her State Department will do everything possible to ensure a "smooth transition" to an Obama administration which assumes power January 20.

"But one of the great things about representing this country is that it continues to surprise, it continues to renew itself, it continues to beat all odds and expectations," Rice said.

Barack Obama said that fellow Chicagoan and former Clinton administration aide Rahm Emanuel will serve as White House chief of staff. "No one I know is better at getting things done," Obama said of the hard-charging congressman.

The No. 4 Democrat in the House, Emanuel quoted Obama’s campaign slogan in saying he was leaving a job he loves for one reason: "I want to do everything I can to help deliver the change America needs."

The selection of the fiery Emanuel marked a shift in tone for Obama, who had chosen more low-key leadership for his presidential campaign.

Emanuel said he had weighed family and political considerations before accepting the new job. He will have to resign his congressional seat and put aside hopes of becoming House speaker.

Democrats expanded their majorities in both chambers of the U.S. Congress in Tuesday's election to position themselves to quickly act on much of U.S. President-elect Barack Obama's ambitious agenda.

But Democrats fell at least a few seats short of obtaining for the first time in three decades the 60 needed in the 100-member Senate to clear Republican procedural hurdles.

Still, Democrats expressed hope that in wake of the election they will be able to win over a few moderate Republicans to pass major measures, including ones to begin to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq and end the worst economic crisis since The Great Depression.

"They (Republicans) are going to have to be more cooperative. They have to realize their old way of just blocking everything just doesn't work for them," a Democratic leadership aide said.

"Heck, their party got its butt kicked tonight and (Senate Republican Leader Mitch) McConnell barely won another term," the aide said.

By picking up five seats with several other Senate contests yet to be decided, Democrats had increased their majority to 56, and figured that they would get at least a few more.

"There is no way in hell of getting 60," one aide said. races. "But I think we gain at least six seats, maybe seven," to reach 57 or 58.

Overall 35 Senate seats were up for election, 23 held by Republicans, the others by Democrats. Many of the races involving seats held by Republicans were seen as competitive.

All 435 House seats were up for election. Democrats now control the chamber, 235-199 with one vacancy. MSNBC projected that Democrats would increase their majority to 261-174.

But regardless of how many seats Democrats pick up, record federal deficits and the poor state of the economy will limit what they can do.

Democrats would likely have to limit or postpone any big new spending programs, such as ones to expand health care, upgrade education and advance renewable energy technology.

The Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz has sent a cable of congratulations to Barack Obama on the occasion of his election as the President of the US.

King Abdullah congratulated Obama on the confidence bestowed on him by the friendly US people, and hoped that he would successfully shoulder his responsibilities.

He highlighted the existing strong and close relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the US, and said the two countries are keen on realization of peace and justice as well as on enhancing the pillars of security and stability in the Middle East region and in the entire world.

King Abdullah reiterated the keenness of the Kingdom on further cementing its relations with the US in all domains.

Meanwhile, Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the Deputy Premier, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, has sent a similar cable of congratulations to Obama.

His Highness the Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent a cable of congratulations to the newly-elected US President Barack Obama.

In his cable, His Highness the Amir wished Obama success, and lauded the historic ties and partnership between the two countries.

He emphasized his keenness for continuing to work together in different areas in the interest of the two nations.

His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent similar cables of congratulation to the elected president on this occasion.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak sent a cable of greetings to US Senator Barack Obama congratulating him for his victory in the US presidential elections, saying "We are looking forward to your constructive contribution to resolve the Palestinian Problem".

The Egyptian leader also said that he hopes that Obama would work for bringing about peace and stability to the Middle East through helping the parties concerned to realize a just and comprehensive settlement.

Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa congratulated US president-elect Barack Obama on his election victory.

Moussa said that Obama's win has sent a 'message of hope' that tension will ease in the world and that efforts to establish peace would be reinforced.

Moussa said that the Arab League is ready to cooperate with the new US administration to achieve peace in the Arab region.

He voiced hope that Obama would seek to achieve his promise of working actively to settle the Arab-Israeli conflict.

He also expressed hope that the new US administration will adopt a balanced policy on the Arab-Israeli conflict.

The Palestinian Authority under Mahmoud Abbas is looking forward to working with the new US administration under Barack Obama to achieve security and stability in the Middle East, PA spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeina said. Palestinian President Abbas, currently on a visit to Hungary, has congratulated the US president-elect.

Hamas, on the other hand, urged Obama to learn from the mistakes of President George Bush.

"Hamas will be judging Obama through his political stance toward the Arab-Israeli conflict, rather than his electoral agenda, which was very much similar to his Republican opponent," said movement spokesman Sami AbuZuhri.

He urged Obama to reconsider the American foreign policy toward the Palestinian cause and to not side with the Israeli occupation against Palestinian rights.

Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad congratulated U.S. President-elect Barack Obama and called for "fundamental and fair" changes to U.S. policies in the region, Iran's official IRNA news agency said.

"I congratulate you for attracting a majority of votes ... I hope you will prefer real public interests and justice to the endless demands of a selfish minority," Ahmadinejad told Obama in a statement published by IRNA.

Iranian officials have said Obama's election victory on Tuesday showed the American people's desire for fundamental change in domestic and foreign policy from the policies of President George W. Bush, who labeled Iran part of an "axis of evil."

"The great Iranian nation welcomes real, fundamental and fair changes in America's behavior and policies, particularly in the Middle East region," Ahmadinejad said.

Ahmadinejad said he hoped Obama would put an end to the United States' "war-oriented" policies.

"Other nations expect war-oriented policies, occupation, bullying ... and imposing discriminatory policies on them to be replaced by those advocating respect ... and non-interference in other countries' state matters," he said.

Iran's Prosecutor-General Ayatollah Qorban-Ali Dori- Najafabadi called on Obama to show goodwill and remove sanctions against the Islamic Republic, the semi-official Mehr news agency reported.

"Through the lifting of the past government's cruel sanctions against Iran, Barack Obama can demonstrate his goodwill to the Iranian people," he said.

The Iraqi government welcomed the election of Barack Obama as the next president of the United States.

Government spokesman Ali Al-Dabbagh said in a statement the Iraqi government genuinely wishes to cooperate with the president elect for the best interest of both peoples and in a way to safeguards Iraq's security, stability and sovereignty.

U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker said on that the U.S. administration’s general policy towards Iraq and the world will not change after the electing new President Barack Obama.

In his word during the celebration held at the U.S. embassy on the occasion of electing a new president, Crocker said "The U.S. will keep its policy towards Iraq and the world during Obama’s rule and Iraq achieved great success in political, security and other fields."

"Iraqis are able to write their history by themselves, but this process needs some more time," the U.S. diplomat said.

"The new president has now to determine his policy because the whole world will watch this process and the U.S.’s strength concentrates in its democracy and transparency and it is able to change," Crocker noted.

President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Khalifa ben Zayid al-Nahyan sent a congratulatory cable to US President-elect Barak Obama over his win of US presidential elections, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed al-Maktoum and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the UAE armed forces Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan also sent similar cables to Obama.

World countries continue to react to Senator Barack Obama's historic victory in the US presidential election.

In Mexico, Mexican President Felipe Calderon congratulated Obama for his triumph in the US presidential election and said he hopes for "a new stage" in relations between the two neighbors, dpa reported.

An official statement that was made public late Tuesday, said Calderon also invited the next US president to visit Mexico "soon" and reiterated his country's commitment "to strengthen and deepen bilateral relations and work in the construction of a better future for the region."

The statement further expressed the hope that US-Mexican relations would enter "a new stage of progress based on co-responsibility, frank and respectful dialogue and mutual trust."

In Tokyo, People in the small north-central Japanese town of Obama danced through the night and into morning in anticipation of the community's namesake being elected US president.

The Obama Boys were practicing their hula dancing with a plan to make their debut when Barack Obama is declared president.

Their stage was set up at the town hall, where more than 200 people gathered in the city of 32,000 for an all-day party with six television screens set up for live reports of the election returns.

"We cannot lose to McCain," Yasuyoshi Maeno, leader of the Obama Boys, said as he raised his fist in the air. "We will absolutely win this game!"

Sporting "I Love Obama" T-shirts, 14 members of the group had practiced for a month ahead of Tuesday's elections in the United States and appeared to have been proven correct in their projections for a win by Democratic Senator Obama over his Republican rival, Senator John McCain.

US television networks projected by early afternoon Japan time that Obama would win the vote.

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari sent his best wishes to US president-elect Senator Barack Obama over his historic victory in the US presidential elections.

In statements to the Pakistani TV, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Hussain Haqqani said that president Zardari hoped that the new US administration would help in boosting relations between the two countries.

The Vatican said it hoped President-elect Barack Obama will work to promote peace and justice in the world.

"All of us are hoping that Obama will be able to meet the expectations and hopes directed at him," said the Rev. Federico Lombardi, who is chief spokesman for the Vatican and for Pope Benedict XVI.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy sent a letter to US President-elect Barack Obama congratulating him on what he called a "brilliant victory", dpa reported.

After extending the "warmest congratulations" on his behalf and that of the French people, Sarkozy wrote that Obama's election triumph "crowns an exceptional campaign ... (that) has shown the vitality of American democracy to the entire world."

Sarkozy added, "In choosing you, the American people have chosen change, openness and optimism."

Obama's victory, the French president said, "raises a great hope in France, in Europe and in the world - that of an open, united and strong America that will show a new way, with its partners, by the strength of its example and the adherence to its principles."

France and Europe "will draw new energy to work with America to preserve the world's peace and prosperity," Sarkozy wrote.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown congratulated US president-elect Barack Obama, hailing his "energizing" politics and vision and calling him a "true friend of Britain."

Brown, who took over from Tony Blair as premier last year, has been widely seen as trying to distance himself from his predecessor's controversially close ties with outgoing US President George W. Bush. "This is a moment that will live in history as long as history books are written," said Brown, offering his "sincere congratulations to Barack Obama on winning the presidency of the United States."

"The relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is vital to our prosperity and security.... Barack Obama ran an inspirational campaign, energizing politics with his progressive values and his vision for the future.

"I have talked to Senator Obama on many occasions and I know that he is a true friend of Britain," he added.

German political leaders congratulated Barack Obama on his election success with Chancellor Angela Merkel saying Berlin looked forward to working together in complete trust with the new Democrat-led White House, the dpa reported.

"The world faces considerable challenges at the start of your term in office," Merkel said, with German President Horst Koehler and Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier also congratulating Obama on his victory.

In a letter to Obama, Koehler said he "could count on Germany as a reliable partner and long-standing friend" as he faced up to the challenges of office.

Steinmeier said Obama had secured an extraordinary victory and had during his election campaign helped to reawaken an enthusiasm for politics.

"I am convinced that there will be close and trustful cooperation between the United States and Europe so as successfully use the hazards and risks as well as the manifold opportunities to open up our global world," Merkel said in a letter to Obama.

NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer congratulated Barack Obama on his election as U.S. president.

"I offer warm congratulations to Senator Obama on his election to become the next U.S. president," de Hoop Scheffer said in a statement. "The transatlantic link, based upon the shared values on which our alliance was founded almost 60 years ago, remains essential," he said.

Today's security challenges require an ever stronger cooperation and solidarity between allies, he said, hoping the United States will continue to play its role in that regard under Obama's leadership.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev congratulated US President-elect Barack Obama in a cable.

Medvedev called for "sustained development of cooperation between our countries not only on a wide range of global issues but also as regards practical promotion of bilateral interaction in all fields," Interfax news agency reported.

"It is a historical fact that Russian-American relations are an important factor of global stability, and at key times, significance to the solution of many modern international and regional problems," Medvedev said in his cable to Obama.

"A substantial positive potential has been accumulated [in Russian-American relations. But there is yet more to be done for the good of the peoples of our countries and the strengthening of international peace and security," he said.

"I expect to develop a constructive dialogue with you on the basis of confidence and respect for each other's interests," the Russian leader said.

South Africa's iconic first black leader Nelson Mandela said that Barack Obama's election as US president showed that anybody could dream to change the world.

"Your victory has demonstrated that no person anywhere in the world should not dare to dream of wanting to change the world for a better place," Mandela wrote in a letter to Obama, America's first black president-elect.

The 90-year-old Mandela applauded Obama's commitment to support global peace and security and trusted that combating poverty and disease would become the mission of his presidency.

"We wish you strength and fortitude in the challenging days and years that lie ahead," said Mandela.

"We are sure you will ultimately achieve your dream (of) making the United States of America a full partner in a community of nations committed to peace and prosperity for all."