PM congratulates IPCC and Dr Pachauri

New Delhi, Oct 19 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has congratulated the Inter- Governmental Panel on Climate Change and its Chairman Dr R K Pachauri on winning the Noble Prize for Peace for 2007, stating that it was a ''historic moment'' for India.

It was a matter of great delight and honour to know that the panel headed by Dr Pachauri had won the Nobel Prize jointly with former US Vice President Al Gore, the Prime Minister said in a letter written shortly after the announcement.

''It is a historic moment for Dr Pachauri and India. Never before has a UN body headed by an Indian been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. This exceptional honour is a recognition of the extraordinary work of Dr Pachauri and his team at IPCC,'' he said.

They had done yeoman service in awakening ''our consciousness about the dangers of global warming and the measures that need to be taken urgently to address the serious challenges posed by it.

''This Award is a big boost to the efforts of Dr Pachauri and his team of scientists, climate experts and economists to carry forward their work which will eventually promote the welfare of mankind.

''I have great pleasure in extending my hearty congratulations to Dr Pachauri, his Panel and all those associated with this effort for being recognized for their efforts through the prestigious Nobel Prize. I am sure that it will encourage them to work with renewed vigour towards a more sustainable future.'' UNI