- Nobel Foundation Rescinds Invitations to Russia, Belarus, and Iran
- Swedish Officials Boycott Ceremonies in Protest
- Reasons Behind the Nobel Foundation’s Decision
In protest, several Swedish officials decided to forego the ceremonies in Stockholm after the foundation invited representatives from these nations.
After “provoked strong reactions”, the Nobel Foundation revoked invitations to Russia, Belarus, and Iran to this year’s ceremony.
In protest, several Swedish officials decided to forego the ceremonies in Stockholm after the foundation invited representatives from these nations.
Some officials cited the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Iran’s human rights issues as justifications for their decision to boycott.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said he would not let Russian representatives attend Nobel ceremonies if he could.
The Nobel Foundation stated in a statement, “The decision was based on our belief that it is important and proper to spread as widely as possible the values and messages that the Nobel Prize represents.”
The foundation acknowledged “the strong reactions in Sweden, which completely overshadowed this message” and decided against inviting “the ambassadors of Russia, Belarus, and Iran to the Nobel Prize award ceremony in Stockholm.”
It said it will welcome all ambassadors to the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo as normal.
Previously, the Nobel Foundation stated that it had extended invitations to all countries with diplomatic missions in Sweden and Norway to the 10 December event because doing so “promotes opportunities to communicate the important messages of the Nobel Prize to everyone.”
The Nobel Foundation will still invite all ambassadors to the Oslo Nobel Peace Prize ceremony.
Due to the conflict in Ukraine, Russian and Belarusian diplomats were prohibited from attending the ceremonies and receptions held annually on 10 December.
The foundation also eliminated Iran owing to “the grave and deteriorating situation” there.
