Annan, UN congratulated by leaders from around the world on Nobel Peace Prize

Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who along with the United Nations was awarded the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday, has received a stream of congratulatory messages from leaders around the world, his spokesman said today.

"Phone calls have come in from heads of state and ministers all Friday and all through the weekend," spokesman Fred Eckhard told the press at UN Headquarters.

Asked whether the story of the UN and Mr. Annan sharing the Nobel Prize "got the proper coverage it deserved in major media in the United States," Mr. Eckhard replied, "I think it got a healthy amount of coverage and the editorial response seemed welcoming." The coverage, he added, "was flattering for the Secretary-General and encouraging for the United Nations itself, so I have no complaints."