US ambassador says president-elect determined to bring about peace and security in the region.
By GREER FAY CASHMANobama wins 248.88(photo credit: AP)
One of the most sought-after people in Jerusalem in the early hours of Wednesday morning was US Ambassador James B. Cunningham.
The US Embassy had set up an election-night monitoring system in one of the larger reception halls of the King David Hotel, with breakfast available to anyone who stopped by.
When President-elect Barack Obama appeared on the large television screens strategically placed in different parts of the room, the chatter died down as everyone gathered to hear an historic victory address.
Soon afterwards, Cunningham, flanked by several security personnel, entered the room and made his way to the podium. His remarks were brief, poignant and reassuring.
Declaring that it was a proud day in American history and part of a process, Cunningham didn't forget to say a good word about John McCain, whom he lauded for "his incredibly gracious concession speech."
Although he couldn't speak for the incoming administration, he said, he could say that President-elect Obama is determined to bring about peace and security in the region. "He will be a great friend of Israel," he said.
Traditionally, US ambassadors over the world resign when a new administration takes over, especially when the new president isn't a member of the same party as his predecessor. "It's a pro forma letter," US Embassy spokesman Stewart Tuttle told The Jerusalem Post, adding that the President didn't have to accept it. Meanwhile, the Embassy expects Cunningham to be at the helm for the foreseeable future and is carrying on with business as usual.
Tuttle anticipated that the letter of resignation would be sent just a few days prior to Obama's inauguration.
President Shimon Peres tried to get in touch with Obama immediately after his victory was confirmed but found it impossible and conveyed his congratulations via one of Obama's senior aides.
Speaking to reporters at Beit Hanassi, Peres said that although Obama had been elected by the citizens of the United States, the vote in his favor was that of the whole world. In all the years that he had been following US elections, said Peres, he had never known another to have aroused so much excitement and international attention.
The world was going through a crisis and needed to enter a new era with a new, young and energetic leader, he said, adding that Obama represented innovation. The election of a black president, said Peres, will to a large extent put an end to racial prejudice. "There is no need for white people to feel superior or for people of color to feel inferior," he said.
Recalling his meeting with Obama when the latter was in Israel in July of this year, Peres expressed confidence in Israel's ability to work well with him. Obama had told Peres and other Israeli dignitaries that he had come to Israel to reaffirm the special relationship between the US and Israel.
"From the heart of the Holy City of Jerusalem, I wish him every success," said Shas leader Eli Yishai, adding that he was certain that Obama would be good for Israel and the Jewish people because "he is a man who seeks peace, and we always ask for peace in our prayers."
Pressed as to how he would respond if Obama urged the division of Jerusalem, Yishai said: "I don't want to predict what Obama will do, but I know that whatever happens, God will protect us."
if(catID != 151){
var cont = `Take Israel home with the new Jerusalem Post Store
