Mr Obama however downplayed expectations of a swift rollout of cabinet level officials saying he would move with 'deliberate haste' to get the decisions right. -- PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSECHICAGO - PRESIDENT-elect Barack Obama on Friday said he would act 'swiftly' as soon as he takes office to confront the economic crisis head on, during his first news conference since his historic election.
'We are facing the greatest economic challenge of our lifetime. We will have to act swiftly to resolve it,' a sober Mr Obama said, with members of his heavy-hitting team of economic advisors standing behind him.
'Immediately after I become president, I will confront this economic crisis head on by taking all necessary steps to ease the credit crisis, help hard-working families and restore growth and prosperity.'
Mr Obama however downplayed expectations of a swift rollout of cabinet level officials, including secretary of the Treasury and secretary of state, saying he would move with 'deliberate haste' to get the decisions right.
And he thanked President George W. Bush for his offer of a smooth transition of power and signalled he would not attempt to intervene in economic policy before his inauguration on Jan 20.
The press conference reflected a shift in tone towards Mr Obama after the more informal intensity of the election campaign, as reporters stood when he entered the room hosting the press conference and addressed him as 'Sir' or 'Mr President-elect'.
He said that 'with certainty' he would back a stimulus package passed in the US Congress before or after his inauguration, and that he would put a high priority on initiatives to help the crippled US auto industry.
Mr Obama also confirmed that he had been sent a letter from Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad following his victory over Republican John McCain on Tuesday.
'I am aware that the letter was sent,' he said. 'I will be reviewing the letter from President Ahmadinejad and we will respond appropriately.'
However he said that Iran's development of nuclear weapons was 'unacceptable' and the Islamic Republic must end its 'support of terrorist organisations'. Mr Obama said during his campaign that he would explore the possibility of direct talks with US foes like Iran, North Korea and Cuba as president.
On a lighter note, Mr Obama said tongue-in-cheek that the issue of the dog he had promised his daughters if he captured the White House was a 'major issue' and that he had spoken to all the living ex-US presidents as he prepares for office. -- AFP
No comments:
Post a Comment