heres some quotes from overseas leaders from different points in time yesterday and today. from bbc.co.uk
In quotes: World reacts to US poll
Foreign leaders have been reacting to the US presidential election as John Kerry concedes the election to President George W Bush.
Tony Blair, British Prime Minister
The election of President Bush is an event of genuine significance right around the world. It is of special significance for Britain. America and the UK have a unique bond through our shared history and tradition.
President Bush's re-election comes at a critical time. A world that is fractured and uncertain must be brought together.
The need to revitalise the Middle East peace process is the single most pressing political challenge in our world today.
Jacques Chirac, French President
In the name of France and for my own personal part, I would like to express my heartiest congratulations for your re-election.
BBC correspondents on how the world views the result
It is in a spirit of dialogue, esteem and mutual respect that our co-operation must continue to evolve, our common fight against terrorism and the joint actions which we are engaged in to promote liberty and democracy must continue to develop.
We can only find satisfactory solutions to the numerous challenges with which we are confronted today through a close transatlantic partnership.
Mohammed Rashid, aide to Yasser Arafat
President Arafat welcomed Bush's victory and voiced the hope that his new mandate and the confidence placed in him by the American people will give new momentum to the Middle East peace process.
Javier Solana, EU foreign affairs chief
Together, Europe and the United States face many critical challenges in the years ahead. As in the past, our best hope for success lies in common action.
Jan Peter Balkenende, Dutch Prime Minister and EU President
The United States and the European Union are linked by strong cultural, economic and political ties, and by our shared values. This makes us each other's natural and indispensable partners.
Hosni Mubarak, Egyptian President
I am pleased to congratulate you on your re-election as US president for a second term.
We hope that Mr Bush's new administration, together with the European Union, can bring influence to bear to arrive at a peaceful development in the Middle East region.
Gerhard Schroeder, German Chancellor
We support a pullout by Israel from Palestinian territories if it is linked to the roadmap.
The more this is agreed between Europe, Russia and especially the United States, the better the chances of it being implemented.
I will continue the good and close co-operation that we have. This is in the interests of the United States as well as those of Germany and Europe.
Romano Prodi, European Commission President
My warm congratulations to President Bush on his re-election after a difficult ballot, whose outcome was far from sure.
As the country's leader in the most dramatic time of its history, he 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.
Vladimir Putin, Russian President
I am convinced that international terrorism tried to prevent Bush from being re-elected.
Putin: 'Right decision'
Bin Laden's statement at the final stage of the election race in the USA is the best means to confirm this thesis.
If Bush wins, then I will be able to rejoice that the American people did not allow themselves to be scared and made a right decision.
Iyad Allawi, interim Prime Minister of Iraq
Whoever wins will be our friend. The United States liberated us from a dictator from a very long period of war and agony. We will always be grateful to America for what it has done and continues to do.
Silvio Berlusconi, Italian Prime Minister
The continuation of Bush in American politics makes things easier for us.
As for international policy, Bush will continue with the policy that assigns the United States the role of defender and promoter of freedom and democracy.
Michel Barnier, French Foreign Minister
I can raise my hat to American democracy. There has been an incredible turnout and a debate in which the entire world took interest.
I can already express wishes for the US elected president, for the American people, which is a friend and ally.
We have a lot of things to do, both regarding the current crises - Iraq, the Middle East, Iran, the challenges raised by the African continent - and to rebuild, to reform the transatlantic relations.
Tony Blair, UK Prime Minister
Ex-pats and Britons gathered at the US embassy in London
I am sure that the whole House will join me in sending congratulations to President... Karzai of Afghanistan.
(Laughter in the House of Commons)
Like everyone else, I await the outcome of the other presidential election with interest.
Junichiro Koizumi, Japanese Prime Minister
Regardless of which candidate wins, I think there will basically be no change in the recognition of friendship between Japan and the United States.
Nabil Abu Rudeina, aide to Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat
We are ready to work with any American administration.
The only thing we are interested in is seeing an administration that will work to advance the peace process... to allow the creation of a Palestinian state.
Ehud Olmert, Israeli Deputy Prime Minister
Mr Kerry would have been a very friendly president to Israel as he proved to be for a long time in the Senate. Now that Mr Bush is elected, we are very happy and we congratulate the American people for their choice.
Alexander Downer, Australian Foreign Minister
From our point of view, the Bush administration is a known quantity.
Australians watched in Sydney as results came in
We've had a very good relationship with them the last four years. I'm sure we'll be able to keep building on that over the next four.
But, look, frankly, if Senator Kerry somehow miraculously comes through here or if in any case he had been elected, we would have worked pretty well with them as well.
Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, Spanish Prime Minister
I would like to express the desire of the Spanish government to contribute to a relationship based on efficient and constructive co-operation with the government of the United States, with President Bush.
Moody Awori, Kenyan Vice-President
I am a little bit apprehensive because the first term of Bush, he had come in as a lame duck.
Now it appears as if he is winning very convincingly. To me, I think we are going to see more dictatorship on an international scale. We are going to see more extremism come out of there.
We are going to see even more isolationism where America will not bother about the United Nations. To me that is a very sad affair.
Aleksander Kwasniewski, Polish President
From the point of view of Poland's interests, further co-operation with George W Bush is good news. I hope that this will also mean increased activity in bilateral affairs, as they lacked sufficient engagement.
Karsten Voigt, German Foreign Ministry
I simply hope that the American president, whatever his name might be, will take this opportunity to reach out to Europeans and say in both style and substance how we can work together.
Mercy's eyes are blue
When she places them in front of you
Nothing holds a roman candle to
The solemn warmth you feel inside
