A round-up of today's other US election stories in brief...
Dream fulfilled for civil rights, says Bush
President George W Bush said the election of Barack Obama as president of the US was a "dream fulfilled" for the civil rights movement and a victory for all Americans.
"No matter how they cast their ballot, all Americans can be proud of the history that was made yesterday," Mr Bush said in a statement from the White House.
The election of the first African-American US president was "especially uplifting for a generation of Americans who witnessed the struggle for civil rights," the president said.
"It'll be a stirring sight to watch President Obama, his wife, Michelle, and their beautiful girls step through the doors of the White House," Mr Bush said.
"I know millions of Americans will be overcome with pride at this inspiring moment that so many have waited for so long."
Mr Bush said he also called John McCain and "congratulated him on a determined campaign".
"The American people will always be grateful for the lifetime of service John McCain has devoted to this nation, and I know he'll continue to make tremendous contributions to our country," Mr Bush said.
The Bush administration has set aside 120,000sq ft of office space in downtown Washington to accommodate Mr Obama's transition staff for the next two months before the new president moves into the White House. - ( Bloomberg)
Rice praises extraordinary win
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice commended Barack Obama on an "extraordinary" election victory and pledged to do everything she could to ensure a smooth transition at the State Department.
"President-elect Obama was inspirational, and I'm certain he will continue to be," Dr Rice told reporters in Washington yesterday, before leaving on a trip to the Middle East.
Personally, Dr Rice said, she was "especially proud" that the US had elected an African-American as president. She was the second African-American after Colin Powell to be named secretary of state, and often says that, by the time she leaves, the office will have been held by someone other than a white male for 12 years. That span includes the tenure of Powell's predecessor, Madeleine Albright.
Dr Rice also praised the concession speech last night of her Republican Party's nominee, Senator John McCain of Arizona, as "gracious". - ( Bloomberg)
Powell says he wept at Obama victory
Former US secretary of state Colin Powell said he wept for joy at Barack Obama's presidential victory.
"President-elect Obama did not put himself forward as an African-American president. He put himself forward as an American, who happened to be black, who happened to be African-American, and that ought to come after the title because what he did in this campaign was to be all- inclusive," Mr Powell told CNN International.
"To reach out across racial lines, cultural lines, religious lines, you name it. He wanted to be a transformational figure, to bridge the gap between generations. And I think that's what allowed him to win this election."
Asked whether he cried at the result, Mr Powell replied: "Everybody cried . . . I'm not ashamed of it. My family, my wife, my kids, everybody."
Asked would he serve in an Obama administration, Mr Powell replied: "I'm not looking for a job and I don't expect to be offered a job."
Iraqis do not expect 'drastic decisions'
BAGHDAD - The Iraqi government is confident that president-elect Barack Obama will not jeopardise Iraq's improving security by hastily withdrawing US troops, foreign minister Hoshiyar Zebari said yesterday.
Mr Obama has "reassured us that he would not take any drastic or dramatic decisions," Mr Zebari told BBC television.
Mr Obama opposed the US war in Iraq from the beginning, and his promise to pull combat troops out of the country by mid-2010 was a cornerstone of his campaign. - ( Reuters)
Vatican looks to God to enlighten Obama
VATICAN CITY - Two months ago, a Vatican official branded the US Democrats the party of death because of their pro-choice stand on abortion. His words failed to sway millions of Catholics who cast their vote for Barack Obama.
Hours after the election of Mr Obama, who has long been a member of a black Christian church, the Vatican said it was hoping God would "enlighten him and help him in his great responsibility".
"It asks for God's blessings on the American people so that together with all people of good will a world of peace and justice can be built," Vatican chief spokesman Fr Federico Lombardi said. - ( Reuters)
Sign of hope for world - Mandela
CAPE TOWN - Nelson Mandela, South Africa's first black president, welcomed Barack Obama's victory as a sign of hope for everyone.
"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," Mr Mandela said in a letter of congratulations to Mr Obama released by his office today.
Mr Mandela told Mr Obama he expected him to "make it the mission of your presidency to combat the scourge of poverty and disease everywhere". - ( AP)
Prevent civilian casualties - Karzai
KABUL - Afghan president Hamid Karzai made an immediate demand of Barack Obama yesterday, saying the president-elect must prevent civilian casualties as Afghan villagers alleged that airstrikes killed or wounded dozens of women and children in a wedding party.
No Afghan officials could immediately confirm the number of alleged casualties, but Mr Karzai referred to the incident at a news conference held to congratulate Mr Obama on his US presidential election victory.
President Karzai applauded America for its "courage" in electing Mr Obama. - ( AP)