New York, Sept 23: Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh has been honoured with the 2010 ‘World Statesman Award’ by a US-based interfaith coalition for his commitment to democracy, freedom, human rights and peace in the service of humanity.
 77-year-old Singh was awarded in absentia by the Appeal of Conscience Foundation and Indian Ambassador to the US, Meera Shankar, accepted the award on behalf of the Prime Minister at a ceremony here.
 In a recorded speech, Singh said: “I accept this award on behalf of people who have lived in this sacred land for a millennia and have lived together.”
 On the occasion, US Under Secretary of State William Burns, said “there could truly be no better choice, and no better model of what integrity and statesmanship are all about on the world stage.”
 “A man of even temperament and remarkable modesty and humility, Prime Minister Singh has demonstrated clear vision and steely determination as a leader, bringing great benefit to India and to the rest of the world,” he said.
 Delivering the commendation address, former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger applauded Singh for his leadership and described him as a statesman with vision, persistence and integrity.    
 Emphasizing on the close convergence of Indo-US interest in Asia including Afghanistan, he called for regional countries, particularly India, to play a greater role in pursuing ways to bring peace, stability and development in Afghanistan.
 Ambassador Shankar, while accepting the award on behalf of Singh, thanked Rabbi Schneier, President of the Foundation.
 “In honouring Dr Manmohan Singh, the Appeal of Conscience Foundation has honoured a leader of extraordinary statesmanship, vision and intellect who is guiding the destiny of the world’s largest democracy.”

Lastupdate on : Thu, 23 Sep 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 23 Sep 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 24 Sep 2010 00:00:00 IST