(October 9, 2009, Washington, DC)—In recognition of today's announcement of President Barack Obama as the 2009 recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, CODEPINK Women for Peace offered cautious congratulations to the President.  

"This morning I think many of us were as surprised as Obama," said co-founder Jodie Evans. "A great recognition and obligation have been bestowed on him.  Will Obama really be a Peace President?”

CODEPINK Women for Peace cited eight specific actions for President Obama to take to live up to this award:

• Donate the $1.4 million prize to organizations working to build peace;

• Establish a responsible exit strategy for Iraq and Afghanistan;

• Close Bagram prison in Afghanistan;

• Recall the use of drones in military combat and follow international law;

• Establish a real climate change plan toward ending resource wars based on our oil needs;

• Redirect war spending to human needs for healthcare, education, and jobs at home and abroad;

• Insist that Israel freeze all settlements and abide by the rule of law regarding Gaza;

• Accelerate the eradication of nuclear weapons.

"Lasting peace will span a long road of dedicate work ahead," said co-founder Medea Benjamin.  "That road winds from Afghanistan to Iraq to Pakistan to Gaza—and onto the Main Streets of our urban centers and rural towns across America. Obama's diplomatic talk is an excellent start that must be followed by real action to redeem the merits that the Nobel Prize holds.”

After receiving word of Obama's receipt of the prize, CODEPINK activists have recommitted themselves to ensuring that Obama feels the public pressure and support necessary to make real change. This includes demonstrations planned in San Francisco during Obama's upcoming trip there next week, and actions throughout the country.

For more information about President Obama's promises for peace, visit www.remindobama.org.

###