Congratulations flow in to Argentine First Lady

Argentina, Congratulations flowed in from around the world Tuesday to Argentina's first lady, Cristina Kirchner, on her presidential election win, notably from Latin American leaders and the United States.

Chile's Michelle Bachelet - who in January last year became her own country's first woman President - extended congratulations "from the women and all the Chilean people for this triumph."

She added: "It's not a coincidence that this two neighboring countries, with similar characteristics, have elected women to direct their destinies." Venezuela's Hugo Chavez was one of the first to have called Kirchner. He lauded her "beautiful victory," his office said in a statement, adding that Chavez said he hoped to deepen ties he has nurtured with the Argentine first couple.

State Department Spokesman Sean McCormack said the US government congratulated Kirchner on her victory, and the Argentine people on participating in free and fair elections.

He added that Washington hoped to work with Kirchner on bilateral and regional issues.

The Uruguayan president, Tabare Vazquez, took time out from a working trip to Los Angeles to also welcome Kirchner to the presidents' club, according to his office.

An aide to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Lula had called Kirchner just before she took to the stage to give her victory speech late Sunday. Messages also came in from France and Spain.

Santiago, Tuesday, AFP.