"Politicization" of Nobel Peace Prize

SCO voices opposition to "politicization" of Nobel Peace Prize

Muratbek Sansyzbayevich Imanaliev, Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), voiced his opposition to the politicization of the Nobel Peace Prize here Friday, saying the award should not be used as a tool to interfere in other country's internal affairs.

Imanaliev said the Peace Prize should be awarded in accordance with the testament of Alfred Nobel.

Nobel's testament says the prize should be conferred on the person or persons who "have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses."

"It is very regrettable that the Prize was awarded to a criminal who is now in prison," Imanaliev said in an interview with Xinhua.

Imanaliev also expressed his hope "concerned parties" can faithfully adhere to Nobel's will and prevent such an award from being politicized.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize to Liu Xiaobo on Oct. 8th in Oslo, Norway.

Liu was sentenced to 11 years in jail on Dec. 25, 2009 after a local court in Beijing convicted him of agitation aimed at subverting the government.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday blasted the award for showing "no respect for China's judicial system" and questioned the "true intentions" behind the decision.
Imanaliev noted the remarkable achievements China has made in terms of political, economic and social development.

Facts prove the correctness of China's development path since the adoption of the opening up and reform policies, Imanaliev said.

He also said China is an important SCO member that has contributed significantly to the organization's development.

Imanaliev also said the SCO respects a country's sovereign right to choose its own development path, adding that he believes China will make further contributions to regional stability and prosperity.

Source: Xinhua

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