Mumbai's US Consul, expats salute Barack Obama

Mumbai, Nov 5 (UNI) The Hard Rock Cafe at Worli in south Mumbai was filled with members of the US Consulate and expats to celebrate US President-elect Barack Obama's victory early this morning.

''The election result should give hope to all people, and signal a new begining for Indo-US relations,'' US Consul General Paul A Folmsbee said, adding, ''We'll have to wait and see what policy he pursues, but you can be sure it will be a pro-India one.'' Mr Obama's victory went down well with the early morning revellers, who cheered his victory speech being aired on television.

Mr Obama, elected as the 44th US President, has emerged as the first Black to hold the office.

Most members of the Consul had cast their votes through postal mail and many were seen wearing a -''Yes, I have voted'' stick-on badges.

''Democrats have always spelt good news for India, and with Mr Obama in the Oval Office, its even better for India,'' an observer opined.

US expatriate architect Michael Murphy said Mr Obama had generated a tremendous amount of motivation and momentum among people to vote. ''I expect him and his cabinet to have a realistic approach in foreign aid, military, Pakistan and domestic issues,'' he said.

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