Wary world watches power shift

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad swept to a landslide win in presidential elections on Saturday, putting in doubt Iran's fragile social liberalisation and tentative rapprochement with the West.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad swept to a landslide win in presidential elections on Saturday, putting in doubt Iran's fragile social liberalisation and tentative rapprochement with the West.

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Following are comments from officials and voters:

Russian President Putin

: Congratulated Ahmadinejad on his victory and pledged to continue nuclear cooperation with the new Iranian leader. "I am convinced that your election, which came as a result of the Iranian people's will, will guarantee continuity in the development of partnership between our countries."

German foreign minister Joschka Fishcher

"The exclusion of numerous candidates before the election, as well as the progress of the election itself point to considerable shortcomings. Germany expects that talks between France, the United Kingdom, Germany and EU foreign policy chief Solana will continue with the new president under the terms of the Paris agreement. Iran must provide objective guarantees its nuclear programme will only be used for peaceful means. British foreign secretary Jack Straw: <$>"I hope that under Ahmadinejad's presidency, Iran will take early steps to address international concerns about its nuclear programme and policies towards terrorism, human rights and the West Asia peace process.

"Regrettably, there were serious deficiencies in the election process by international standards ... For the Iranian people to have a fully free choice about their country's future, they should be able to vote for candidates who hold the full range of political views, not just candidates selected for them."

US State Department Spokeswoman

"We remain sceptical that the Iranian regime is interested in addressing either the legitimate desires of its own people or concerns of the broader international community".

Rahmatollah Izadpanah, Iranina voter:

"I voted for Ahmadinejad because he wants to cut the hands of those who are stealing the national wealth and he wants to fight poverty".

Ramtin, 24, musician:

"I don't believe it. I am very sorry. He will definitely take back our freedom.

Reuters