PARIS, Jan 20, 2009 (AFP) - French President Nicolas Sarkozy said Tuesday he was eager for President Barack Obama to start changing the world, after sending a message of congratulations to the newly sworn-in US leader.
    "We are eager for him to get to work so that with him we can change the world," the French president told reporters.
    In a message to the new US leader, released by his office, Sarkozy pledged to work closely with Obama.
    "I wish to assure you that France is determined to work hand in hand with America, its friend and ally, for us to respond together to the immense challenges our world faces today," Sarkozy said.
    "With your election, the American people has forcefully expressed its faith in progress and the future, and its desire for a renewed America, open, strong and full of solidarity, which you embody.
    "I would like to offer in my own name and that of the French people, my wishes for full success in your role as leader of the American nation," Sarkozy said.
    French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said earlier that he "shared the admiration and emotion of the whole world" for Obama.
    But he added: "I think we should not expect him to immediately solve all America's problems, nor ours. Barack Obama does not have a magic wand."
    A recent poll showed 70 percent of the French have high hopes that Obama will be a good US president, able to improve the lives of Americans and advance world peace.