The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
December 10, 2009

Remarks by the President after Nobel Peace Prize signing ceremony

Norwegian Nobel Institute
Oslo, Norway

9:46 A.M. CET

Q    What did you write, Mr. President?

THE PRESIDENT:  I wrote, "Thank you."  No, what I did write actually is worth mentioning.  In addition to being honored to receive it, I think it's important to congratulate the Nobel Committee for the work that it's done over the course of history to highlight the cause of peace, but also to give voice to the voiceless and the oppressed around the world.

When you look at the wall -- Michelle and I were commenting on the fact that when Dr. King won his price it had a galvanizing effect around the world, but also lifted his stature in the United States in a way that allowed him to be more effective.  And that's a legacy of the Nobel Committee that we're very grateful for.

END

9:47 A.M. CET

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