[gpt3] Rewrite this title: Nobel Foundation withdraws invitation to Russia, Belarus and Iran to attend ceremonies [/gpt4]

Nobel Foundation Rescinds Invitation to Russia, Belarus and Iran

The Nobel Foundation, in an unexpected turn of events, rescinded its invitation to representatives from Russia, Belarus, and Iran to attend the 2021 Nobel Prize award ceremonies. The decision, announced on Saturday, came after the initial invite drew strong reactions and threatened to overshadow the occasion.

This revocation follows a change in stance by the foundation compared to last year, when it invited representatives from the three nations to attend the ceremonies. The invitation was part of a broader strategy to use the event as a platform to convey the essential messages of the Nobel Prize to a global audience. The move, however, drew criticism and threats of boycott from several Swedish lawmakers, causing the foundation to reconsider its decision.

Boycott Announced by Swedish Lawmakers

Several Swedish lawmakers had announced on Friday that they would boycott the ceremonies, held annually in Stockholm, because of the invitation to representatives from Russia, Belarus, and Iran. The lawmakers cited Russia’s war on Ukraine and the crackdown on human rights in Iran as reasons for their boycott. Additionally, Belarusian opposition figure Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya also urged the Swedish Nobel Foundation and the Norwegian Nobel Committee to exclude representatives of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s “illegitimate regime” from the events.

The strong reactions in Sweden compelled the foundation to withdraw the invitations, recognizing that the controversy had completely overshadowed the significance of the occasion. However, the foundation announced that it would continue with its usual practice of inviting all ambassadors to the ceremony in Oslo, where the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded.

Swedish PM and Royal House React to the Decision

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed his disapproval of the initial decision to invite the representatives, distancing himself from the controversy. The reversal of the decision was also welcomed by the Swedish Royal House. Spokeswoman Margareta Thorgren, quoted by newspaper Aftonbladet, deemed the change in decision as positive. She affirmed that King Carl XVI Gustaf would proceed with the tradition of handing out the awards at the Nobel ceremonies in Stockholm.

The Nobel Prize winners for this year will be announced in early October. The laureates will then be invited to receive their awards at the illustrious ceremonies on December 10, marking the anniversary of the death of award founder Alfred Nobel in 1896.

Original Story at apnews.com – 2023-09-02 13:23:00