Nobel Foundation retracts invite to Russia, Belarus and Iran representatives to attend ceremonies

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The Nobel Foundation has retracted its previous invitations to representatives from Russia, Belarus, and Iran to participate in the annual Nobel Prize award ceremonies. This decision was made following the emergence of significant controversies and intense reactions in response to the initial invitation.

On Friday, a number of Swedish legislators declared their intention to boycott this year’s Nobel Prize award ceremonies in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. This response was prompted by the private organization responsible for managing the esteemed awards reversing its stance from the previous year and extending invitations to delegates from these three countries.

Several lawmakers pointed to compelling reasons for their decision to boycott, including Russia’s military actions against Ukraine and Iran’s apparent disregard for human rights.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson made it clear that, given the opportunity, he would not permit the attendance of Russian representatives at this year’s Nobel award ceremonies.

In a succinct statement, the Nobel Foundation outlined the rationale behind their choice: “The basis for the decision is that we believe that it is important and right to reach out as widely as possible with the values and messages that the Nobel Prize stands for.” In light of the significant backlash within Sweden, which overshadowed their original intention, the foundation opted to withdraw the invitations extended to the ambassadors from Russia, Belarus, and Iran for the Nobel Prize award ceremony in Stockholm.

However, the foundation reaffirmed its commitment to tradition by adhering to its customary practice of inviting all ambassadors to the award ceremony in Oslo, where the Nobel Peace Prize is bestowed.

Previously, the Nobel Foundation had extended invitations to all nations with diplomatic missions in both Sweden and Norway, aiming to utilize the December 10 event as an opportunity to disseminate the essential messages encapsulated by the Nobel Prize to a broad and diverse audience.

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• Nobel Foundation retracts invitations to Russia, Belarus, Iran representatives
• Swedish lawmakers boycott Nobel Prize award ceremonies
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• Human rights situation in Iran
• Swedish Prime Minister’s stance on Russian representatives
• Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo