Cautious response from world leaders

ROME, Italy -- World leaders have reacted cautiously to the victory of Silvio Berlusconi's centre-right coalition in Sunday's election.

German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder: "The German government respects the decision of the Italian people and takes note of the Italian election results. The German government is interested in the continuation of the traditionally close co-operation between Germany and Italy, in both the bilateral as well as multilateral areas."

French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine: "I respect Italian democracy and I have confidence in the Italian people. But given what this country represents in Europe we will be very attentive to the way in which the government will be made up and to its policies. Attentive, and if needs be vigilant."

Austrian Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner: "It is a legitimate government, based on a democratic election. Berlusconi is someone who does not raise any doubts about Europe."

Austria's far-right leader Joerg Haider: "Apparently (the EU) have now recognised that a democratic election result for democratic parties has to be respected."

President of the European Commission, Romano Prodi: "We are sure that Italy will show the commitment and active collaboration it always has for meeting the common aims (of the European Union), to successfully confront the challenges ahead of us in order to construct a more integrated, prosperous, dynamic and united Europe."

U.S. State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said that the United States hoped to "enjoy a co-operative and fruitful relationship" with a Berlusconi government.

Slovenia Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel said Italy's voters had spoken and "we have to accept this whether we like it or not."

Berlusconi leading Italian poll
May 13, 2001
Italians take stock before poll
May 12, 2001
Rutelli's Italian vision
May 12, 2001
Italian campaign nears end
May 11, 2001
Italy's poll rivals end campaigns
May 11, 2001
Europe on agenda for Italy poll
May 9, 2001
Italian election turns presidential
May 9, 2001

Italian Parliament
European Union

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