The Day That Was: Oct. 11, 2002

President Carter's Press Conference 12 p.m., Plains, Ga.
Read the transcript


The World Reacts:

"He should have had the prize in 1978. But he couldn't because he wasn't nominated in time. That was a mistake that we now have the opportunity to set straight."
GUNNAR BERGE
Nobel committee chairman

"I believe President Carter deserved it. He had many, many years of work for peace in a very concerted way, in a very human way, and I congratulate him."
HAMID KARZAI
Afghan president and Nobel nominee

"Mr. Carter deserves this prize. He has struggled all of his life for peace and human rights all over the world."
SHIMON PERES
Israeli foreign minister who shared the 1994 Nobel Peace prize with the late Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat

"Above all, Carter is a man who has always stood for dialogue and for solving disputes through diplomacy and peaceful means, and not through the guns of war."
SAEB EREKAT
Chief Palestinian negotiator

"He is a man that is truly admirable for his ethics, and important steps were taken during his administration (to establish low-level diplomatic missions in Havana and Washington)."
FIDEL CASTRO
Cuban president

"It's great. He deserves it."
KOFI ANNAN
U.N. secretary-general


"He has proved that world leadership depends as much on the values you hold as the office you hold."
SAM NUNN
Former U.S. senator and Nobel nominee

"I think the world will generally accept this award as being a very positive sign...about how we would like to see the United States behave in world affairs."
BILL GRAHAM
Canadian foreign minister

"(Carter's) outstanding and global engagement for democracy and human rights is recognized and honored around the world."
GERHARD SCHROEDER
German chancellor

"This most inspiring news brings hope to those who believe that true peace and the betterment of humanity can be achieved only through peaceful and compassionate leadership and work."
CORETTA SCOTT KING
Founder of the King Center and widow of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., 1964 Nobel Peace Prize winner

"The Nobel Peace Prize was made for people like Jimmy Carter."
BILL CLINTON
Former U.S. president

"We are certain that our people, who were able to see you and listen to you during your (May) visit to our country, are pleased and see this prize as a victory for themselves."
OSWALDO PAYA
Cuban opposition leader, Varela Project

"The Nobel Committee's decision is an important signal that human rights, under attack in many countries, belong at the heart of the foreign policy of the United States."
WILLIAM F. SCHULZ
Executive director of Amnesty International USA

"In his fight for peace, he has tirelessly focused the world's attention on the crucial importance of including health care in the realm of basic human rights."
DR. NILS DAULAIRE
President and CEO of the Global Health Council

"After his retirement, he really carried service beyond American borders. I think it is a sign of his enthusiasm and sincerity."
THE DALAI LAMA
Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader

"He is clearly one of the world's foremost peacemakers. He's earned (the Nobel Peace Prize) at least three times before now, and he finally got it."
ANDREW YOUNG
Former ambassador to the United Nations

"You have deserved this high award for your work both as president of the United States and later... (You are) a striking example of how a person, whether he holds a government post or not, is capable of greatly benefiting his compatriots and humanity as a whole."
MIKHAIL GORBACHEV
Former leader of the Soviet Union

All Photos: The Carter Center: Emily Howard See More Photos
(Atlanta Journal-Constitution, used with permission)