Vienna, Austria
2009 Nobel Peace Prize

I am absolutely delighted to learn that President Barack Obama has been awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize.

I cannot think of anyone today more deserving of this honour. In less than a year in office, he has transformed the way we look at ourselves and the world we live in and rekindled hope for a world at peace with itself.

President Obama has provided outstanding leadership on moving towards a world free of nuclear weapons. He has shown an unshakeable commitment to diplomacy, mutual respect and dialogue as the best means of resolving conflicts. He has reached out across divides and made clear that he sees the world as one human family, regardless of religion, race or ethnicity.

President Obama has brought a new vision of a world based on human decency, fairness and freedom which is an inspiration to us all.