Chicago - Continued text of US president-elect Barack Obama's victory speech Tuesday night in Chicago, as issued by his campaign.

"What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek ­ it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you.

Chicago - Following is the text of US president-elect Barack Obama's victory speech Tuesday night in Chicago, as issued by his campaign.

"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

Brussels - The head of the European Union's executive body on Wednesday congratulated Barack Obama on his victory in the United States presidential election and called on him to work with the EU to shape a "new deal for a new world".

"This is a time for a renewed commitment between Europe and the US. I want to assure Senator Obama of the support of the European Commission and of my personal support in forging this renewed commitment to face together the many challenges ahead of us," European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said.

New Delhi - Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday called Barack Obama an inspiration as he congratulated the senator for winning the US presidential election.

"Your extraordinary journey to the White House will inspire people not only in your country but also around the world," Singh said.

He said India and the US, working together to address global issues and challenges, would be an important factor for world peace, stability and progress and invited Obama to visit India soon.

Leaders of India's ruling Congress Party and the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said Wednesday that they believed Obama's election would further improve bilateral relations with India.

Stockholm/Copenhagen - The election of Barack Obama as US president was described as "historic" Wednesday by Nordic leaders, who expressed hopes for more dialogue and cooperation.

Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen said he hoped to cooperate closely with the new American leadership, just like he had with President George W Bush.

Rasmussen said he hoped to cooperate with Obama in "the fight against terrorism, the mitigation of climate change and the development of new economic growth based on free trade."

Jerusalem - Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni congratulated US president-elect Barack Obama Wednesday on his victory in the US presidential election, saying it was a "badge of honour for American democracy."

"Israel looks forward to a continuation of the close strategic cooperation with the new administration, with the new president and with the US Congress, and to the continuation of the strengthening of the special and unshakable relations between the two countries," she said in a statement.