World reacts to Hosni Mubarak's resignation

Hosni Mubarak’s somewhat belated decision to resign as President of Egypt has elicited almost universal joy (mixed with caution) from leaders and prominent figures around the world:

This is the greatest day of my life. The country has been liberated… I can't even to begin to describe my reaction. It's a joy, exhilaration, total emancipation for 85 million people. For the first time Egypt has been liberated and has put its feet on the right track to towards a country of democracy and social justice.
--Mohamed ElBaradei, leading opposition figure and Nobel laureate

The heart of Egypt beats again
--Ayman Nour, Egyptian opposition figure, once imprisoned by Mubarak

What has happened today should only be the first step. Those who now run Egypt have a duty to reflect the wishes of the Egyptian people. In particular, there really must be a move to civilian and democratic rule.
--David Cameron, UK Prime Minister

Congratulations to the Egyptian people. And we hope that a system meeting the expectations of the Egyptian people will emerge.
-- Ahmet Davutoglu, Turkish Foreign Minister

The real hero is the young Egyptians in Tahrir square and the rest of Egypt Jan25
--Wael Ghonim, Google executive once detained in Egypt

Hosni Mubarak will never leave Egypt, he will die in Egypt. It is his right.
-- Samir Radwan, Egypt's finance minister

This is a pivotal moment in history... the transition that's taking place must be an irreversible change… It is a vivid demonstration of the times in which we live. There are few generations that have an opportunity to bend history even just a little bit.
--Joe Biden, U.S. Vice President

Young people leading Egypt towards democracy-their energy changed Egypt, their actions are an inspiration to the world.
--Nancy Pelosi, U.S. House Minority Leader

The resignation of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is the beginning of the victory of the Egyptian revolution. We call upon the new Egyptian leadership to take an immediate decision to lift the blockade of Gaza and open Rafah [border] crossing permanently to allow people's free movement and in order for the reconstruction process of Gaza to begin.
--Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri

The Mubarak era in Egyptian politics is over. Now I truly hope that the transition to a democratic, pluralistic and stable Egypt can begin... Now the decisive task will be to organize free and fair elections of Egypt's next president and to create credibility for the political development until then. A genuine and open dialogue about the transition is a prerequisite for a peaceful development. The Egyptian people's possibility to freely choose must not be limited.”
--Carl Bildt, Swedish Foreign Minister

“It’s too early to foresee how (the resignation) will affect things. We hope that the change to democracy in Egypt will happen without violence and that the peace accord will remain.”
--Israeli official

This is a positive, important step towards the Egyptian people's aspirations of achieving democracy and reform and a life of dignity.
--Qatar government

“We will be watching the situation closely. We wish the Egyptian people the best in their next steps toward determining their own future under a democratic process.
--Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev.

“All nations must now support an orderly, peaceful transition to democracy. We hope the first steps of the new government will be to guarantee free and fair elections as soon as possible, while also keeping the peace with all of Egypt's neighbors including Israel.
--Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla.

There are many unknowns about who will lead Egypt in the short and long term, what their guiding ideology will be and what kind of Egypt will emerge from this turmoil. It is uncertain what the new role of the military is and how they will govern. There are serious questions about what role the Muslim Brotherhood will play in the transition and beyond, and how this will impact Egypt's policies, and its relations with the West and the state of Israel.
--The Anti-Defamation League

“We are witnessing a historic change. I call on those who now bear the responsibility and will bear the responsibility to make the developments in Egypt irreversible.”
--Angela Merkel, German Chancellor

“The conquest by the will of the great Egyptian nation over the resistance and persistence of officials who were dependent on the world powers is a great victory.”
--Ramin Mehmanparast, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman

“I salute the Egyptian people and the martyrs. This is the day of victory for the Egyptian people. The main goal of the revolution has been achieved.”
--Mohamed el-Katatni, Muslim Brotherhood