"We just heard it from the Israeli media, " said presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh, who welcomed the visit.

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Galloway and Upper Nithsdale Tory MSP Alex Fergusson welcomed the visit and the commitment to start tackling problems on both routes.

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The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority said it welcomed the visit.

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President Obama concluded the call by conveying his intention to visit Pakistan in 2011 and personally welcomed President Zardari to visit the United States in the coming year.

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However, unionists said it would take time for the hurt caused by the remarks to abate and welcomed her decision to cancel the visit to the mainly loyalist Shankill.

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External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop, who toured the facility during an official visit to India, welcomed the expansion of Wood Group's Indian operations.

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Ahead of the visit, Lady Ashton said that the EU welcomed what it called the "remarkable changes" in the country and said it marked "a new chapter in our relations".

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In Washington where he is on a visit, Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr welcomed the news, saying the release was a joint effort by authorities in both countries, and that the focus now was on Mr. Rodwell's speedy recovery.

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Last October, Mr Kibaki became the first African leader to be welcomed by President George Bush on a state visit to Washington.

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He said he welcomed Russia's willingness to develop a fuller dialogue with the Syrian National Coalition and said he hoped its leader would visit Moscow soon.

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