OBAMA’S RE-ELECTION SHOULD PAVE WAY FOR NEW TRADE DEAL

Parliament's president Martin Schulz
has joined in a chorus of congratulations on Barack Obama re-election as US
president. Obama was looking forward to another term in office after his
close-run victory over Republican Mitt Romney. In a statement on Wednesday, Schulz,
a German deputy, said, "The EU and the US are the world's closest allies –
our partnership is based on a wide range of common values and shared
interests."

"Members of Congress and of
parliament must be brought together to ensure the best possible legislation for
both sides of the Atlantic. Parliament is strongly committed to deepening this
relationship, not only at executive-to-executive level, but in the daily
business of our two legislatures."

The British Tory added, "One of
the EU's first priorities must be to open formal negotiations towards a
transatlantic trade deal, and it must be prepared to go that extra mile to get
agreement.

"The EU must ensure that the
United States does not turn its economic and geopolitical attention towards the
Pacific, at our expense."

Edison added, "The recovering
strength of the US economy shows that Obama's policies have put the country on
the right course while his historic reform of the healthcare system underlines
his commitment to social justice and equality for all Americans. "There is
still a lot to be done, but I am sure that we will continue to see
progress."

In a statement, the think tank said,
"Chronically high US unemployment and his overwhelming support among
Europeans places the president in a strong position on both sides of the ocean
to push for a trans-Atlantic free trade agreement (TAFTA). Such a move would
require little political capital.

"Europe's recent moves towards
implementing policies that provide greater balance between austerity and growth
closely align with the president's position. His new administration is likely
to continue emphasising the need for economic expansion and greater consumption
at home and abroad.

"Obama will find among European
leaders many allies for his approach, but it could cause friction in
German-American relations."