Washington, DC, USA 9 October 2009 (Office of Special Envoy of HH the Dalai Lama) - His Holiness the Dalai Lama has congratulated President Obama on being named the recipient of this year's Nobel Peace Prize.
In a communication sent today to the President, His Holiness, who is in Washington, D.C., said, 'I am pleased that the Nobel Committee has recognized your approach towards resolving international conflicts through the wisdom and power of dialogue.'
He said, 'The Committee has rightly noted your efforts towards a world without nuclear weapons and your constructive role in environmental protection. The 20th century was a century of bloodshed and all of us have the responsibility to make the 21st century, a century of dialogue and co-operation. There is thus the need for concerted efforts from all sides in this highly interdependent world to promote and adopt a more compassionate approach.'
His Holiness said, 'I have maintained that the founding fathers of the United States have made this country the greatest democracy and a champion of freedom and liberty. It is, therefore, important for today's American leaders to adopt principled leadership based on these high ideals. Such an approach will not only enhance the reputation of the USA, but also contribute tremendously in reducing tension in the world.'
