Big Grin from Obama in His Victory Speech Last Night

The presidents of Latin America were celebrating the victory of Democratic candidate Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States last night, championing his arrival to the White House as an indication of a more intimate relationship within the region. Obama won the 2008 election at just after 10 p.m. Costa Rica time. Comments from the Latin American region were mostly warm and positive.

From Brazil, president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stressed how “extraordinary” an event the election of the first black American president was, and in particular, coming from a candidate who has demonstrated political competence. Having risen himself from the ranks of Brazil’s working class, Lula expressed his hope of a more productive and active policy toward Latin America.

The Foreign Office of Venezuela announced that president Hugo Chávez is “willing” to establish new relationships with the future Democratic Administration. The historically controversial relationship between the United States and Venezuela was worsened in September, when Chavez expelled a U.S. Ambassador amid claims of a coup plot from Washington against his socialist regime, later denied by the U.S. government.

President Alvaro Uribe from Colombia, perhaps the closest Latin American ally to the Bush administration, announced his congratulations on Radio Caracol. Uribe praised the “great democracy” for bringing about much admiration, and commented that the two governments must go on working and searching for support with regards to the coordination of delicate issues such as drug-trafficking and terrorism.

Felipe Calderón, the president of Mexico, reiterated in a card to Obama the commitment of the U.S. government to strengthen the bilateral relationship. He also confided that the relationship between both countries will mark the beginning of a new era of co-responsibility, dialogue and trust.

In Chile, Michelle Bachelot, President, wished Obama great success in his road ahead. Bachelot commented on the importance of combating social injustice and inequalities, praising Obama for bringing forward a new era of hope and change. “Those are certainly the same issues that inspire us in Chile,” commented Bachelot.

The most heartfelt praise came from Argentina and its president Cristina Fernández, who congratulated Obama for having successfully interpreted the dreams and the hopes of the American population. Fernández stressed that the new age now opening up in the U.S. had come from one of the most passionate election battles in history: a fight against discrimination, and for equal opportunity.

On the impact of Obama on Latin America, Fernandéz concluded: “We have the opportunity to eradicate poverty and discrimination, and, without doubt, to create more dialogue between our countries and leaders. Know that we are counting on you.”

Óscar Arias, President of Costa Rica, is yet to share his public opinion.

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Filed under: Costa Rica News, Travel on November 5th, 2008