Barack Obama makes history by clinching nomination

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WASHINGTON, June 04 (Agencies): US Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama has made history by becoming the first African-American to head the ticket of a major US political party

In what he called a "defining moment for our nation," Obama Tuesday passed the necessary 2,118 threshold of delegates and superdelegates who decide on the party's nomination for the White House race, CNN projected.

Rival Hillary Clinton, the former first lady who entered the race 17 months ago as a heavy favourite, did not concede and said she would consult with party leaders and supporters to determine her next move.

After making history by capturing the Democratic nomination, Barack Obama turns Wednesday to the task of unifying a fractured party for a five-month battle for the White House with Republican John McCain.

His victory came after he beat rival Hillary Clinton -- herself seeking to become the first female nominee -- in the final two primary contests that have brought nearly 35 million of their supporters to the polls.

"Tonight we mark the end of one historic journey with the beginning of another -- a journey that will bring a new and better day to America," Obama told a frenzied rally crowd at St. Paul, Minnesota. Watch Obama declare himself the nominee.

"Tonight, I can stand before you and say that I will be the Democratic nominee for president of the US."