Nobel Peace Prize medalThe foundation of former South African President Nelson Mandela says it welcomes the awarding of the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize to U.S. President Barack Obama.

Speaking on behalf of Mr. Mandela, the foundation said it hopes the award will strengthen Mr. Obama's commitment to "promoting peace and the eradication of poverty."

Zimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, who was considered a front runner for the peace prize, told Reuters news agency the U.S. president was a deserving candidate.

Meanwhile, an aide to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told the French news agency the award should prompt Mr. Obama to start working towards ending injustice in the world. 

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak expressed his hope the U.S. president's award would "boost the president's ability" to bring "regional peace" to the Middle East. 

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.