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Obama in Buchenwald

(Aired on NPR Newscasts, 06June2009)

After making a speech in Egypt, President Barack Obama flew through Germany for a visit to Buchenwald, a former concentration camp. Tony Ganzer reports on the German reaction to the visit.
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Mr. Obama’s visit to Buchenwald dominated media coverage in the country, as reports praise Mr. Obama’s visit as a step in a new direction for European-US relations.

Major newspapers in Munich and Hamburg praised Mr. Obama’s 2-hour visit to Buchenwald, saying the US focus is now not entirely on the war on terror.  Commentators said Mr. Obama has a unique opportunity to apply lessons learned in the past to events of today.  German magazine Der Spiegel called Mr. Obama’s visit to Buchenwald more than just an appointment, but rather a personal chance to learn and remember.

The President in spending the day in Normandy, France as part of a D-Day commemoration.

For NPR News, I’m Tony Ganzer in Berlin.

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Audio: Barack Obama Awarded Peace Prize

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In Oslo, Norway today President Barack Obama accepted the Nobel Peace Prize.  His acceptance comes on the heels of Mr. Obama’s still controversial nomination by the Nobel committee, awarding the prize to a world leader whose country is still fighting two wars.  The normally sleepy city of Oslo turned overnight into the frontline of a debate over war and peace.  From Oslo, Tony Ganzer reports.

TG:  Though the bells from Oslo City Hall rang a familiar sound, the city streets were drastically changed for the arrival of Mr. Obama.  Chain link fences, concrete barricades and police with machine guns lined most streets.  Even before Mr. Obama arrived in Norway Greenpeace began handing out fliers urging Mr. Obama’s action on climate change.  But in his acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize Mr. Obama spoke directly to the criticism of his award.

Obama: …my accomplishments are slight“ :20

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Mr. Obama listening to his introduction during the peace prize ceremony.

TG:  Mr. Obama’s peace prize was awarded for his efforts on climate change, nuclear proliferation and diplomacy, according to the Nobel committee.  This prize has attracted increasing attention in recent days after Mr. Obama announced 30-thousand more American troops would be deployed to Afghanistan.  Though Mr. Obama underscored his support for diplomatic solutions to conflicts, he defended the option of armed conflict.

Obama:  …and the strength of our arms“

TG:  Mr. Obama and first lady Michelle Obama appeared briefly after the ceremony to wave from their hotel balcony at a crowd.  A mixed group of demonstrators with varied interests gathered nearby, holding signs urging an end to the war in Afghanistan, and US action on climate change, among other things.  Mr. Obama will leave Oslo tomorrow morning, after spending just 26 hours in the country.

From Oslo, I’m Tony Ganzer reporting.