Chargé Sylvia Curran delivers remarks during the Election Morning Reception hosted by the U.S. Embassy Ashgabat. See more photos from this event below.

SECRETARY RICE:  Good morning.  I asked Sean if I could open this briefing, and he said yes, that I could do that.  I’m getting ready to leave for the Middle East, but I did not want this morning to pass without taking note of the extraordinary election last night.  This was an exercise in American democracy, of which Americans across the political spectrum are justifiably proud. 

I want to note that Senator McCain was gracious.  He’s a great patriot.  I want to note that President-elect Obama was inspirational, and I’m certain he will continue to be.  The Department of State will do everything that we can, and I personally will do everything that we can – that I can, to make sure that this is a smooth transition.  We are preparing for that transition.  Sean will tell you more about that.

But one of the great things about representing this country is it continues to surprise; it continues to renew itself; it continues to beat all odds and expectations.  You just know that Americans are not going to be satisfied until they really do form that perfect union.  And while the perfect union may never be in sight, we just keeping working at it and trying.

And I just want to close on a personal note.  As an African American, I am especially proud because this is a country that’s been through a long journey in terms of overcoming wounds and making race not the factor in our lives.  That work is not done, but yesterday was obviously an extraordinary step forward.  And so I wanted to have an opportunity to say that to you, and I will see some of you on the plane on the way to the Middle East. 

Thanks very much.

United States Consul Joseph Chamberlain gives a presentation on voting for Americans overseas.	PAO Andrew Paul delivers an presentation on what is U.S. Electoral College system and how it works

Several alumni of U.S. exchange programs pose for a photo with U.S. Presidential Candidates	Audience gather to watch announcement of President-elect via live CNN