London - British Prime Minister Gordon Brown Wednesday praised the "energizing politics and progressive values" of US President-elect Barack Obama and said he was looking forward to working with him.

In a statement issued by Downing Street in London Wednesday morning, Brown said: "I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to Barack Obama on winning the presidency of the United States."

Athens - Hundreds of supporters of US Democrats erupted in cheers in downtown Athens Wednesday to welcome Barack Obama as the first African-American elected president.

"He made it," said Alexandra Bougadis, 23, early Wednesday. The student joined hundreds of others at a hotel at an election event attended by the US ambassador that began at 9 pm the night before.

"There needs to be a change and he is the one to do it," she said. "The whole world is backing him."

Chicago - Barack Obama, the first African American ever elected to the US presidency, told tens of thousands of cheering supporters in Chicago Wednesday, just after midnight, that a "new dawn" of US leadership had arrived.

"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," he told the throngs that gathered in Grant Park.

Washington - The White House was quiet, a solitary secret service agent visible on the roof. Then, just after midnight Wednesday, a chant of "Yes we did! Yes we did!" echoed outside 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

At least 1,000 exultant supporters of president-elect Barack Obama collected quickly and chanted in unison. Many sang, waved flags, hoisted banners and held up flaming lighters. Some celebrated quietly in small groups. A few wept and hugged friends and family.

Nairobi - Kenyans took to the streets early Wednesday morning to celebrate Barack Obama's election to the White House as the nation's president declared a national holiday.

In downtown Nairobi and in Kibera, one of Africa's largest slums, people dressed in suits on their way to work joined those who had stayed up all night watching the election returns to dance and chant Obama's name.

New York, Nov 5: Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, one time rival of Barack Obama, today congratulated her fellow Democrat on his election as the 44th President of the United States.

CNN quoted Clinton spokesman Philippe Reines as saying that the two spoke for a few minutes.

Clinton congratulated Obama on his victory, and offered her condolences on the loss of his grandmother.

Obama thanked the New York senator for all she did to help him win the election, and said he looks forward to speaking with both her and former President Bill Clinton soon.