World News 15-12-2000 George W Bush Goes To Work who: George W Bush what: Gets keys to his "transition" office where: Washington DC when: Yesterday snippet: "Tony Blair became the first world leader to congratulate George W Bush on his White House victory yesterday," reports The Star. "The Prime Minister made a `Let`s do business` plea to the president elect during an eight-minute transatlantic call." But while Tony Blair pledged Britain`s "unwavering support," says The Telegraph, his socialist French counterpart Lionel Jospin was "extraordinarily undiplomatic". "The popular vote was in favour of Al Gore by a margin of some 300,000 votes," the sceptical Monsieur Jospin told press yestereday. "There will always be an element of doubt over the result." In Washington, Mr Bush`s "preparations for governing were moving into top gear," says The Independent. "Up to 7,000 political appointments need to be made in half the time usually available." And, says the BBC, he finally has the keys to the "transition space" - a suite of offices in the capital city set aside for the inbound president along with a $5.3million budget for administration. He may begin naming members of his cabinet today and at least one Democrat is expected to be included as a gesture of unity. [... more]

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