President Clinton yesterday used his final appearance at the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) summit, hosted this year by Brunei, to play down the global ramifications of the US election saga.
The Governor of Texas, Mr George W. Bush, and the Vice-President, Mr Al Gore both stood for strong US leadership on trade, Mr Clinton told a forum of business leaders on the sidelines of the 21-nation summit.
His remarks appeared in part to be a bid to soothe financial markets spooked by the continuing uncertainty over who will lead the world's most powerful economy.
"One of the things that both Vice-President Gore and Governor Bush agreed on in this election is that the United States should continue its strong leadership for a more integrated global economy and for expanded trade," he said. "And as nearly as I could tell there is virtually no disagreement on that.
"On the question of leadership for trade, I think the world can rest easy because both our candidates made strong commitments to do that," he added.
Later, before meeting Russia's President Putin, Mr Clinton said the continuing uncertainty would do nothing to hinder US relations with other major powers. World leaders would have the same "pretty relaxed" reaction as the American people to the unfolding situation, he said.
"We have plenty of time, there is nothing to worry about. We'll let the process play out, both sides are very well represented and they'll argue their points and we'll see how it works."