The White House is congratulating the Greek people for holding that country's election in difficult times.

The statement from the press secretary called on Greece to quickly form a new government that can make "timely progress" on the economic challenges facing the Greek people. The White House called on Greece to remain in "the euro area while respecting a commitment to reform."

The White House promised to engage Greece in the spirit of partnership" that has long guided the alliance between U.S. and Greece.

The New Democracy party came in first in Greece's election Sunday and immediately proposed forming a pro-euro coalition government _ a development that eased, at least briefly, deep fears that the vote would unleash new economic woes.