Pope and potentates looking to fresh start with US
World leaders said they were looking forward to working with Joe Biden, the Democrat sworn in as US president on Wednesday after four turbulent years under Donald Trump.
Charles Michel, president of the European Council, tweeted congratulations to Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, adding: “It’s time to bring back conviction and common sense and rejuvenate our EU-US relationship.” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “Europe is ready for a fresh start.”
In Iran, President Hassan Rouhani hailed the departure of “tyrant” Mr Trump, Tehran having repeatedly called on Washington to lift sanctions imposed over its nuclear drive.
“We expect (the Biden administration) to return to law and to commitments, and try in the next four years, if they can, to remove the stains of the past four years,” he said.
The Biden administration wants the US back in the landmark Iran nuclear accord, from which Mr Trump withdrew, though many fear the deal will lead to the state acquiring nuclear weapons.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, urged Mr Biden to strengthen the longstanding alliance between the two countries.
“I look forward to working with you to further strengthen the US-Israel alliance, to continue expanding peace between Israel and the Arab world and to confront common challenges, chief among them the threat posed by Iran,” Mr Netanyahu said.
Pope Francis urged Mr Biden to promote “reconciliation and peace” around the world. “At a time when the grave crises facing our human family call for farsighted and united responses, I pray that your decisions will be guided by a concern for building a society marked by authentic justice and freedom,” he said.
And in Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia would seek “good relations with the United States”, while a foreign ministry statement said it expected a “more constructive” approach to arms control talks.