Washington, Oct 8, SPA -- The United States today congratulated the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and its chief, Mohammed ElBaradei, on winning the Nobel Peace Prize. "I congratulate the International Atomic Energy Agency and its director-general, Dr. Mohammed ElBaradei, on being awarded this year's Nobel Peace Prize," Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said in a statement. Rice, who telephoned ElBaradei to congratulate him, said the award is a "well-deserved honor," and the United States is "committed to working with the IAEA to prevent the spread of nuclear-weapons technology." White House spokesman Scott McClellan praised the Nobel committee's "recognition of the importance of stopping the proliferation of nuclear weapons. As the largest financial contributor to the International Atomic Energy Agency, we strongly support those efforts." The United States has worked to strengthen the IAEA and "greatly expand their tools to detect clandestine nuclear activities," McClellan said. The United States also hopes to continue "to work with Dr. ElBaradei to meet the dangers posed by proliferation, including the threats posed by North Korea and Iran nuclear programs," he said.--SPA1121 Local Time 0821 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/294887