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12 October 2009 

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pres Obama Nobel


 

President Barack Obama Receives Nobel Peace Prize

President Barack Obama
President Barack Obama
Less than a year after taking office, U.S. President Barack Obama has won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. Nobel Committee chairman Thorbjoern Jagland announced the award in Oslo, praising Mr. Obama for what the committee called "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples."  

President Obama made remarks from the White House Rose Garden shortly after being told of the award. Reactions from around the world and from within the U.S. provide insights into the political implications of the Prize award.
Links for President Obama's Remarks
Watch President Obama's Remarks (WMV)
Listen to President Obama's Remarks (MP3)

VOA Reports and Reaction to President Obama's Nobel Peace Prize

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Belfast, Ireland, 12 Oct 2009
Clinton: Nobel Peace Prize Recognizes Obama's World Vision
US secretary of state says president was recognized for his willingness to challenge everyone, which has restored image, appreciation of America
President Barack Obama speaks at the White House about winning the Nobel Peace Prize, 09 Oct 2009
Obama Peace Prize Award Elicits Praise, Criticism  Audio Clip Available  Video clip available
Many expressed surprise and disbelief at honor
US Capitol, Washington DC
US Lawmakers, Students React to Nobel Peace Prize  Audio Clip Available
Majority Democrats quick to praise award
US President Barack Obama
Barack Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize  Audio Clip Available  Video clip available
White House says US president is 'humbled' to receive award
French President Nicolas Sarkozy (file)
France:  Nobel Choice Restores US Standing in the World
Many European leaders say gesture should encourage people worldwide to work for nuclear disarmament, resolve regional disputes
Nobel Peace Prize medal
President Obama's Domestic Critics Not Impressed With Nobel Prize  Audio Clip Available
Mixed reaction in United States largely reflects deep divisions in US domestic politics 
Chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Thorbjoern Jagland, holds a picture of US President Barack Obama, in Oslo, Norway, 09 Oct 2009
Obama's Peace Prize:  Just Reward Or Premature Recognition?  Audio Clip Available
Analysts are divided on Nobel Peace Prize decision; some say Mr. Obama created new climate in international politics, others say award is premature
President Obama took a step toward mending U.S. relations with the Muslim world with his speech in Cairo
Some in Mideast Unimpressed by Obama's Actions  Audio Clip Available
Despite many congratulations there is also disbelief among some that his outreach to region has been enough for him to receive Nobel Peace Prize
President Barack Obama speaks about winning the Nobel Peace Prize, 09 Oct 2009
To Many Palestinians, Obama Nobel Peace Prize Unjustified  Audio Clip Available
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas congratulates President Obama, but sentiments not shared by many on streets of Arab East Jerusalem Friday
Chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Thorbjoern Jagland, holds a picture of US President Barack Obama, in Oslo, Norway, 09 Oct 2009
African Leaders Congratulate President Obama on Peace Prize  Audio Clip Available
US president's African heritage gives many in region, accustomed to feelings of marginalization on world stage, sense of continental pride
President Barack Obama speaks about winning the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize, in the Rose Garden of the White House, 09 Oct 2009
Obama 'Humbled' by Winning Nobel Peace Prize   Audio Clip Available  Video clip available
Nobel Committee chairman Thorbjorn Jagland says Mr. Obama has captured world's attention, given its people hope for a better future
President Barack Obama
Barack Obama Makes History Again with Nobel Peace Prize
Award comes just 11 months after former senator from Illinois became first African-American to be elected president of the United States
Michael Steele (file photo)
US Reacts to Obama Peace Prize Win
Reaction so far has been along party lines with Republican Party chairman saying president is undeserving of such recognition
Chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Thorbjoern Jagland, at podium left, in Oslo, announces US President Barack Obama won 2009 Nobel Peace Prize
Worldwide Surprise Greets Obama Peace Prize Announcement  Video clip available
Choice of President Barack Obama came as shock in Oslo, Norway where announcement was made
President  Obama (file photo)
Afghanistan, Pakistan Congratulate Obama on Nobel Peace Prize  Audio Clip Available  Video clip available
Nobel Committee's announcement comes as US president considers whether to send more troops to Afghanistan
Esmet Abel Meguid (file photo)
Arab Reaction Overwhelmingly Positive to Obama Nobel Prize  Audio Clip Available
Former Arab League Secretary-General Esmet Abdel Meguid says Mr. Obama's award appears to be positive development for peace in Middle East
Nobel Peace Prize medal
Obama Peace Prize Win Draws Mixed Reaction
Some say decision is premature for leader less than a year into his first term and with no definitive progress in sight on range of foreign policy fronts
President Obama at the White House, 2 Jul 2009
Muted, Mixed Reaction in Asia to Obama Nobel Peace Prize  Audio Clip Available
US president is particularly well-liked in Indonesia where he spent part of his childhood
President Obama's father, Barack Obama Sr. (undated photo)
Kenyans Express Joy, Urgency, at President Obama's Nobel Peace Award
Mr. Obama's father, Barack Obama, Sr. was born in Kenya