From CNSNews.com:

President Barack Obama — a wartime president who has just ordered 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan — was greeted by anti-war protesters and banners in Oslo, Norway, on Thursday.

The Associated Press reported that posters around Oslo feature a campaign image of Obama reading “Change?”  The posters refer to Obama’s expansion of the war started by President George W. Bush, a decision Obama made after receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.

At a news conference with Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, a reporter asked Obama about criticism that awarding him the Nobel Peace Prize was “premature.”

“How can you use the prize to make some of your good intentions materialize and counter that criticism?” the reporter asked.

“There may be others who are more deserving,” Obama responded. “My task here is to continue on the path that I believe is not only important for America, but important for lasting peace and security in the world.”

Obama then listed his peace agenda – items that he believes will produce “lasting peace and security in the world.”

“That means pursuing a world free of nuclear weapons over time and strengthening our mechanisms to avoid nuclear proliferation. That means addressing climate change in an effective way. It means stabilizing countries like Afghanistan and mobilizing an international effort to deal with terrorism that is consistent with our values and ideals. It means addressing issues of development because we understand the connection between economic justice and peace.

“So on a whole host of initiatives that I’ve put forward this year, some of which are beginning to bear fruit, the goal is not to win a popularity contest or to get an award – even one as esteemed as the Nobel Peace Prize. The goal has been to advance America’s interests – to strengthen our economy at home and to make ourselves a continuing force for good in the world, something that we’ve been for decades now.

“And if I’m successful in those tasks, then hopefully some of the criticism will subside, but that’s not really my concern. And if I’m not successful, than all the praise and awards in the world won’t disguise that fact.”

At the press conference, Prime Minister Stoltenberg mentioned the war in Afghanistan briefly, saying he welcomed the “stronger and broader U.S. involvement aimed at ensuring development and stability.”

Read More:

• GOPUSA.com: Obama defends US wars as he accepts peace prize
• NewsMax.com: Obama Says Others More Worthy of Nobel Peace Prize

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