人気ブログランキング | 話題のタグを見る

No.313 オリジナル英文

----------------------------------------
Obama Peace Prize Award Elicits Praise, Criticism
----------------------------------------
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said he was called to wake President Obama early Thursday with the unexpected news.

"I think it’s safe to say he was very surprised."

Less than a year after taking office, Mr. Obama is joining an elite group of recognized peacemakers that includes Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama, and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Speaking at the White House, Mr. Obama's tone was one of humility.

"To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who’ve been honored by this prize -- men and women who’ve inspired me, and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace."

Global reaction was swift and varied.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon described the peace prize as "great news".

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter described the Obama selection as "a bold statement of international support for his vision and commitment to peace and harmony in international relations."

At American University in Cairo, political scientist Saiid Sadek found Mr. Obama's selection odd and undeserved.

President Obama's domestic political rivals echoed the criticism.

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele said, in his words, "It is unfortunate that the president's star power has outshined tireless advocates who have made real achievements working towards peace and human rights."

For his part, the president attempted to share the honor with the nation as a whole.

"Let me be clear.

I do not view it as a recognition of my own accomplishments, but rather as an affirmation of American leadership on behalf of aspirations held by people in all nations."

The chairman of the Nobel committee denied the honor is premature, saying the committee has on many occasions tried to enhance what many personalities are trying to do.

If the peace prize was awarded to cheer ongoing efforts, some are suggesting it will increase pressure on President Obama to deliver concrete results on the world stage.

Two other sitting U.S. presidents have become Nobel laureates: Woodrow Wilson and Theodore Roosevelt.

Michael Bowman, VOA News, Washington
by danueno | 2009-10-21 17:34 | オリジナル英文


<< 「SIMの英文法」その13 No.313 SIM音読用英文 >>