Hours earlier,the 59-year-old self-made millionaire had backed away from earlier statements,and agreed to accept his bitter rival, as president of a transitional government.

VOA: standard.2009.11.08

(Speaking) He condemned recent statements by Palestinian leaders who praised militants involved in deadly attacks on Israelis and who described them as "martyrs."

VOA: standard.2010.01.10

There was generally favorable response across the political spectrum in Muslim countries to the president's public statements - such as a pledge made before Turkey's Parliament in Ankara.

VOA: standard.2009.04.24

"This is an important contribution that we can make. We discussed this as well, and this is also fully in line with my personal statements and the policies of the new government,"

VOA: standard.2009.11.09