e Yugoslavia

Rome - Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi envisages a “continuing friendship” between Italy and the US under president- elect Barack Obama, and could assist him in improving US relations with Russia, the premier’s spokesman said Wednesday.

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.”

Tokyo - Sanyo Electric Co said Wednesday that its profits fell 67 per cent in the second quarter because of high raw material costs and the yen’s rise against other currencies

Berlin - German political leaders congratulated Barack Obama on his election success Wednesday with Chancellor Angela Merkel saying Berlin looked forward to working together in complete trust with the new Democrat-led White House.

Paris - French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Wednesday sent a letter to US President-elect Barack Obama congratulating him on what he called a “brilliant victory.”

Los Angeles - The Boston Celtics won the NBA Championship with a gritty defence, and they showed that down the stretch to knock the Houston Rockets from the unbeaten ranks.

Jakarta - US president-elect Barack Obama’s former classmates in Indonesia swelled with pride Wednesday and congratulated the Democratic candidate for becoming the first black president of the United States.

Tel Aviv - Israeli troops left the Gaza Strip early Wednesday, hours after entering it in the most serious clash between the Israel Defence Force (IDF) and Palestinian militants since a ceasefire went into effect June 19.

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.

Beijing - China expects continuity but fears trade protectionism once Barack Obama takes office as US president, a leading scholar said on Wednesday.