LONDON: The surprise choice of President Barack Obama for the Nobel Peace Prize drew praise from much of the world on Friday even as many pointed out the youthful leader has yet to accomplish much.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, who won the prize in 1984, said Obama's award shows great things are expected from him.

"It's an award coming near the beginning of the first term of office of a relatively young president that anticipates an even greater contribution towards making our world a safer place for all," he said.