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Gore 'strongly disagrees' with verdict, but accepts it

Our Correspondent

Striking a conciliatory posture, Vice-President and Democratic candidate Albert Gore Jr finally conceded the election to decide the forty-third president of the United States of America in his address to the nation at 2100 EST on Wednesday (0730 IST Thursday).

In his televised address, Gore said, "The United States Supreme Court has spoken and let there be no doubt. While I strongly disagree with its decision, I accept it. I accept the finality of this outcome while will be ratified in the electoral college next Monday."

Calling for an end to the rancour and partisanship of the last 36 days after the vote on November 7, Gore said, "This is America. And we put country before party." He promised to help Bush bring all Americans together.

Gore said he had called President-elect George W Bush on the telephone and told him that he was withdrawing from the contest. And, in a humorous reference to his earlier concession and withdrawal of the concession 35 days ago, he told his Republican rival that "I wouldn't call him back this time".

Gore, however, said he had one regret. "That I didn't get the opportunity to stay and fight for America for the next four years."

He added, "I have seen America in this contest and I like what I saw. America is worth fighting for and I'll never give up the fight."

EARLIER REPORT:
Al Gore hints the fight is over

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