GORDON Brown and David Cameron have both cabled their congratulations to Barack Obama on his election victory over Republican senator John McCain.

Graham Dines

GORDON Brown and David Cameron have both cabled their congratulations to Barack Obama on his election victory over Republican senator John McCain.

The Prime Minister said of the success of the first black American to be elected president: “This is a moment that will live in history as long as history books are written.”

Mr Brown added: “I know that the values we share in common and the policies we work on together will enable us, these two countries, to come through these difficult economic times and build a safer and more secure society for the future.

“I think people in difficult times are looking for the best progressive policies to take us through these difficult times,'' the Premier said.

“I hope to be able to work with Senator Obama to bring the world together so that we can face these difficult times with more coordination and more unity than we've seen before.”

Mr Brown also sent a message to John McCain. “He has shown characteristic dignity in defeat, the same dignity which marked a lifetime of service to the public,” said the Prime Minister.

Mr Cameron issued a statement saying: “In electing Barack Obama, America has made history and proved to the world that it is a nation eager for change. This has been an exciting and inspirational contest with two great candidates.

“In these difficult times people everywhere are crying out for change. Barack Obama is the first of a new generation of leaders who will deliver it - he has my whole-hearted congratulations. This is an important moment not just for America but for the world. Barack Obama's victory will give people a new opportunity to look at the United States and see her for what I believe she is - a beacon of opportunity, freedom and democracy.”

Elsewhere, Iran welcomed Obama's success, saying it was a triumph over the unpopular policies of President George Bush. Leading politician Gholam Ali Haddad Adel said the Democratic candidate's win over Republican John McCain was evidence that Americans are fed-up with Mr Bush and his party.

The government daily newspaper said Mr Obama's win means Mr Bush's policy of unilateralism and his wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have been a disaster.