The Nobel Foundation withdrew this Saturday (2) its invitation to representatives from Russia, Belarus and Iran to attend this year’s awards ceremonies, which will take place in Stockholm, Sweden, in October. The decision to convene it provoked “strong reactions”, especially from Swedish parliamentarians, who vowed on Friday (1) to boycott the event if the foundation maintains its position contrary to that of 2022.
Some MPs cited Russia’s war in Ukraine and crackdowns on human rights in Iran as reasons for the boycott. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said he would not allow Russian representatives to attend the ceremony if he could veto it.
This Saturday, the Nobel Foundation explained in a short statement that the decision to extend the invitations was made “because we believe that it is important and right to spread as widely as possible the values and messages defended by the Nobel Prize.” “
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However, the foundation said it recognized “the strong reaction in Sweden that completely overshadowed the embassy” and decided not to invite the ambassadors of Russia, Belarus and Iran to the awards ceremony in Stockholm.
However, he added that he would continue with usual practice and invite all ambassadors to the ceremony in Oslo (capital of Norway) where the Nobel Peace Prize would be awarded.
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