Medvedev congratulates Obama on historic victory

The Associated Press , Moscow Wed, 11/05/2008 9:30 PM World Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has congratulated Barack Obama on his election victory and is hoping for constructive dialogue with the incoming U.S. president.The Kremlin says Medvedev sent Obama a congratulatory telegram Wednesday in which he stressed that cooperation between the United States and Russia was important for global security and stability.The statement came shortly after Medvedev sharply criticized the U.S. in his state of the nation speech.In the telegram, Medvedev said there is "solid positive potential" to improve relations but more must be done. He said he is counting on Obama to engage in constructive dialogue that would take both countries' interests into account.Ties between Russia and the U.S. were seriously damaged by Russia's war in August with neighboring Georgia.