US polls 'very important moment' in world history, says France

France hailed the US poll as an opportunity to revive the transatlantic relationship no matter who wins.

France hailed the US election as an important moment in world diplomacy on Wednesday, calling it an opportunity to revive the transatlantic relationship no matter who wins.

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French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier declined to comment on the latest projections, showing President George W Bush moving closer to the verge of victory over the Democratic challenger, US Senator John Kerry.

"I can however tip my hat to American democracy," he told RTL radio in an interview. "A new stage is starting. It is a very important moment for the world."

"We are going to work with the new US administration that is formed ... We have many things to do, both on the current crises -- in Iraq, the Middle East, Iran, the fate of the African continent -- and to renovate the transatlantic relationship."

Last week, he had said, he hoped for a new alliance with the United States.