Nobel Prize invitation policy changed, Russia, Belarus and Iran were also invited

The Nobel Foundation, which administers the prestigious prizes, has invited Russia, Belarus and Iran as well as the leader of a far-right Swedish party, which was previously banned, in a reversal of its invitation policy. Vidor Helgeson, executive director of the private foundation, said in a statement that there is a global trend in which dialogue between people with different views is decreasing. To counter this, he said, “we are now expanding our invitation to recognize the importance of the Nobel Prize and free science, free culture and free, peaceful societies.” The foundation said that for the 2023 event Invitations have been extended to all countries with diplomatic missions in Sweden and Norway and parties with parliamentary representation through democratic elections.

She added that this general approach fosters opportunities to convey the important messages of the Nobel Prize to all. In future this practice will be common to the entire organization. Last year, because of the war in Ukraine, diplomatic ambassadors from Russia and Belarus were barred from attending the award ceremonies and banquets, which always take place on 10 December. At the same time, the ambassador of Iran was also kept out of it because of the deteriorating situation in the country. The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo while all other Nobel Prizes are awarded in Stockholm.

The foundation also extended an invitation to Sweden Democrats Party leader Jimmy Akesson, who declined saying on Facebook, “Unfortunately I am busy that day”. Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Christerson said on Friday that if he had his way, he would not allow Russia to take part in it. “It is necessary to isolate Russia in every possible way – militarily, economically – he told the TT news agency.” This year’s Nobel laureates will be announced in early October.

Disclaimer: IndiaTheNews has not edited this news. This news has been published from PTI-language feed.