SWEDEN: The Nobel Foundation has upheld its decision to exclude the ambassadors of Russia, Belarus, and Iran from this year’s Nobel Prize ceremony in Stockholm, despite facing criticism.
Last year, the foundation excluded Russian and Belarusian ambassadors due to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. However, it will invite them, along with Iran’s ambassador, to this year’s ceremony in December, with the aim of including those who do not align with the Nobel Prize’s values.
The decision has garnered strong reactions, with Swedish political parties announcing their intention to boycott the Stockholm Nobel Prize ceremony. In response to the reactions, the organization opted to follow last year’s exception to the standard procedure by not inviting the embassies of Russia, Belarus, and Iran.
The Nobel Prizes are awarded annually in Stockholm, with recipients announced in early October after a secret nomination process. Oslo hosts separate celebrations for the Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
Ukraine’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Oleg Nikolenko, has urged the foundation to support initiatives aimed at isolating Belarus and Russia. He views this change as a “victory for humanism” and calls on the Russian and Belarusian ambassadors to Oslo to follow suit.
Sweden’s Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, initially disagreed with the Foundation’s choice, stating it had deeply troubled many in Sweden and Ukraine. However, he later expressed support for the new decision on Twitter, emphasizing Sweden’s unwavering solidarity with Ukraine against Russia’s aggression.
Several Swedish politicians, including leaders from the Centre, Green, Left, and Liberal parties, have opted to skip the annual ceremony in Stockholm on December 10, where Peace Prize laureates join recipients in economics, literature, science, and medicine.
King Carl XVI Gustaf traditionally attends this event, while a separate ceremony is held in Oslo on the same day.
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