Bush to meet with Obama

US President George W Bush has said he and Barack Obama will discuss issues such as the global financial crisis and the war in Iraq early next week.



In a speech at the White House, Mr Bush congratulated the president-elect and said he would make every effort to ensure a smooth handover on January 20.



Obama was elected the first black US president on Tuesday with a resounding win over Republican rival John McCain.



Rahm Emanuel has accepted the post of chief-of-staff. The Illinois Congressman, who was once an adviser to President Bill Clinton, will be responsible for much of the internal management of the new administration.



Obama is next expected to appoint a treasury secretary to tackle the country\'s economic crisis.



Likely contenders reportedly include former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, and Paul Volcker, the former head of the Federal Reserve.



There is also speculation about whether Obama will reach out beyond the Democratic Party and include Republicans, such as current Defence Secretary Robert Gates.