Bush wins-Blair reacts

Tony Blair congratulated George W. Bush on his re-election, pledging to work with him in the war on terrorism and to revitalize the Middle East peace process.

Blair also called on Europe and the United States, whose relationship was strained over the &to=http://english.pravda.ru/mailbox/22/98/387/9770_moslem.html' target=_blank>Iraq war, to "build anew their alliance" in the wake of Bush's victory.

"&to=http://english.pravda.ru/main/2002/08/10/34249.html' target=_blank>President Bush's re-election comes at a critical time. A world that is divided and uncertain must be brought together," said Blair at his Downing Street office. But analysts were divided on whether Bush's re-election was a political boon or bane for Blair.

Some commentators said Blair was probably deeply relieved by the result as victory for &to=http://english.pravda.ru/world/20/91/368/14511_kerry.html' target=_blank>Democratic challenger John Kerry -- who described the Iraq conflict as "the wrong war in the wrong place at the wrong time" -- would have left the prime minister dangerously isolated, informs CNN.

But on key issues such as the Middle East peace process and poverty in Africa, &to=http://english.pravda.ru/mailbox/22/101/399/14348_Blair.html' target=_blank>Mr Blair also sent his strongest warning yet that it was time for real action in return for his staunch support for Washington.

He said the US should now be pursuing peace in the Middle East "with the same energy" it spent on bringing democracy to Iraq and Afghanistan, reports This is London.

According to News Telegraph, the Prime Minister said he had spoken to both Mr Kerry and the president following Mr Bush's victory.

It is unclear wether the Labour leader would have preferred the Democrat Mr Kerry to be in the White House, or Mr Bush, with whom he has developed a close working relationship during the past four years.

Mr Bush's tenure has deeply divided Europe and damaged relations between America and France and Germany in particular.