MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Blair urges rebuilding transatlantic relations.

British Prime Minister congratulated President George Bush on his reelection and said it was a good opportunity to rebuild transatlantic relations.

In a brief statement at 10 Downing Street, Mr. Blair revealed he had phoned President Bush to personally congratulate him for his victory over Democrat candidate Senator John Kerry.

Mr. Blair underlined that he was intent in keeping the close relation with the US leader during his second mandate because it's in the "national interest of the United Kingdom that the British Prime Minister protect and reinforce links between both countries". "I did it first with president Clinton, then with President Bush and I with to maintain that strong relation during his second mandate".

Mr. Blair said he would try and influence President Bush so the peace process in the Middle East becomes a priority together with the war on terrorism. Peace in the Middle East is "the most single pressing political challenge in our world" highlighted Primer Minister Blair and called upon the world to keep fighting terrorism, but also its causes.

After praising Senator Kerry for his campaign and performance Mr. Blair said that the reelection of President Bush comes at a crucial time for the world.

"The world fractured, divided and uncertain must come together to fight against global terrorism in all its forms, and we must recognize that terrorism will not be defeated only with military might, but also showing the strength of our shared values".

Action is needed on poverty in Africa, the Middle East and conditions on which terrorism prey insisted Mr. Blair who mentioned as victories over terrorism taking democracy to Afghanistan and Iraq. The Primer Minister also urged Europe and the US to build anew their alliance.

"All of us in positions of leadership, not just President Bush, have a responsibility to rise to this challenge. It is urgent that we do so".