Cowen congtatulates Obama on Peace Prize

Taoiseach Brian Cowen today congratulated President Barack Obama on behalf of the Irish people on winning the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize.

The US leader was commended for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and co-operation between peoples.

The Taoiseach said the committee rightly recognised the President’s endeavours in diplomacy.

“In his first year of office, President Obama and his administration have sought to address many difficult international challenges and issues,” said Mr Cowen.

“He has worked patiently with countries from the Middle East and elsewhere, at the United Nations, the G20 and with the European Union partners to overcome them.”

The Norwegian Nobel Committee said only very rarely has a person captured the world’s attention and given its people hope for a better future to the same extent as President Obama.

The committee also attached special importance to Mr Obama’s vision of and work for a world without nuclear weapons.

The Taoiseach said the continued engagement of President Obama and the US to secure peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland was deeply appreciated by the Government and the people of Ireland too.

“Ireland has consistently supported the need for sustained diplomatic engagement on disarmament and I welcome the US President’s efforts in this regard,” added Mr Cowen.