Obama and co hail Chilean rescue

US President Barack Obama called and congratulated his Chilean counterpart Sebastian Pinera on historic rescue of the 33 miners trapped since August 5 in a mine.

Obama hailed the rescue as a tribute not only to the determination of rescue workers and Chilean government, but also the miners and the Chilean people who have inspired the world, the White House said.

President Pinera conveyed his thanks to Obama, the US government, and the US companies and individuals who provided support for the rescue efforts, the White House said.

At a youth town hall meeting, Obama said he was watching it (rescue work) at the White House.

"I think so many of you have seen the joy of families as these miners were coming out. It was a testament to their personal strength. It was a testament to the way the Chilean people came together," the President said.

"It was also a testament to how the world came together, because... some of drilling machinery that were used to get them out were made in the US; NASA scientists helped designed the mechanisms to get the miners out," he said.

"So the fact that we played some small part, I think, in this terrific story is a testament to American know-how and ingenuity, but also how we try to help other people across the globe during trying times," Obama said, adding "It was very inspiring."

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she was watching as the preparations took place and then as the first capsule went down and the first miner came out.

"It was a feel-good moment. I thought that the president of Chile and his government and all of the experts, including some of ours from NASA and elsewhere, just had a superb, cooperative effort.

"And the world not only was thrilled to see those 33 men come up safely, but really so gratified to see people working together on something so positive and producing such a wonderful result," Clinton said.

Son of a hard-rock miner, Senate Majority leader Harry Reid said his family knew first-hand the dangers involved when he went into the mines.

"To this day, I can't think of a harder job than his. We know that these Chilean miners and their families will continue to require medical and emotional support as they readjust to their normal lives," he said.

"But I am elated that tonight they will be able to rejoin their families after almost 70 days. These men and their families should remain in our thoughts," Reid said.

Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator John Kerry said the entire world held their breath in the days following the mine collapse, and we rejoiced with the discovery, more than two weeks later, that the men were alive.

"Today, the world unites in celebration of their rescue," said Senator Kerry.