US President Barack Obama telephoned Ukraine president-elect Viktor Yanukovych on Thursday to congratulate him on his election victory, the White House said, dpa reported.
"The United States looks forward to working with president-elect Yanukovych and continuing to strengthen our cooperation with Ukraine's government and its Parliamentary leaders," spokesman Robert Gibbs said.
Obama wished Yanukovych success in carrying out his mandate after Ukrainian election officials declared him the victor Thursday in the disputed election. His main opponent, Yulia Tymoshenko, has questioned the legitimacy of the election and has called for a partial recount of the ballots.
The White House said Obama emphasized the importance of the US- Ukrainian relationship and the need to further solidify democratic institutions in the former Soviet republic.
"This peaceful expression of the political will of Ukrainian voters is another positive step in strengthening democracy in Ukraine," Gibbs said.
Obama congratulates Yanukovych on election victory
