Washington, Nov 8: President elect Barack Obama speaking at his first press conference after getting elected president has warned that fixing the economy will not be “easy” or “quick,” and assured people to confront this economic crisis head on as soon as he is sworn in.

Obama also warned of a tough road ahead during his first press conference on Friday after meeting with a team of top economic advisers, FOX News reported.

Washington  - If Barack Obama thought he'd get a break after the election, reality has proven otherwise: His life as president- elect has shown to be every bit as busy as life on the gruelling campaign trail.

From receiving his first intelligence briefing, to picking his staff, speaking with world leaders, finding a plan to lift America out of the economic morass, and trying fulfill a family promise, Obama's had a full plate of challenges.

Berlin  - German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US president-elect Barack Obama agreed in a telephone call to work together to help solve global challenges, a Berlin government spokesman said Friday.

The stabilization of Afghanistan, the global financial crisis, climate change and Iran's controversial nuclear programme require closer cooperation, the spokesman said in a statement following Thursday evening's telephone call.

Merkel also congratulated Obama on his "historic" election victory, the statement said.

War

Washington - President-elect Barack Obama is having a hard time delivering on one of the very first promises he made after winning the White House - a promise to his young daughters.

To reward his two girls, 10-year-old Malia and 7-year-old Sasha, for putting up with his time away on the rigorous campaign trail, he said in his victory speech Tuesday night that they would be getting a new puppy to bring to the White House.