Barack Obama hails Peace Prize, says his work toward peace and prosperity only beginning
By APFriday, October 9, 2009
Obama lauds Peace Prize, says work just started
WASHINGTON — A beaming President Barack Obama says he’s honored to win the Nobel Peace Prize, but says he isn’t sure he’s done enough to earn it.
Appearing in the Rose Garden Friday, Obama acknowledged he was “both surprised and deeply humbled” to win the award.
He said he does not “view it as a recognition of my own accomplishments,” but rather as a recognition of goals he has set for the United States and the world. Obama said, “I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many transformative figures that have been honored by this prize.”
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House says President Barack Obama was woken up a little before 6 a.m. with the news that he had won the Nobel Peace Prize.
Press secretary Robert Gibbs learned from reporters that Obama had won the 2009 prize, and telephoned the White House early Friday to pass along the news to his boss.
The president plans to talk about his award at 10:30 a.m. Friday in the Rose Garden.
The White House had no immediate comment on the announcement, which took the young administration by surprise. Obama’s presidency began less than two weeks before the Nobel nomination deadline.
