President Barack Obama weighed in on the Scottish independence vote, praising the people of Scotland for voting to remain part of the United Kingdom.
Obama congratulated the Scots for their "exercise of democracy" in a Friday statement:
We welcome the result of yesterday’s referendum on Scottish independence and congratulate the people of Scotland for their full and energetic exercise of democracy. Through debate, discussion, and passionate yet peaceful deliberations, they reminded the world of Scotland's enormous contributions to the UK and the world, and have spoken in favor of keeping Scotland within the United Kingdom. We have no closer ally than the United Kingdom, and we look forward to continuing our strong and special relationship with all the people of Great Britain and Northern Ireland as we address the challenges facing the world today.
Ahead of Thursday's historic vote, Obama tweeted his hopes that the UK would remain "strong, robust and united."
After the vote, UK Prime Minister David Cameron said the debate over Scottish independence has been "settled for a generation... perhaps for a lifetime."
For more on the vote, visit HuffPost UK.
