Nobel body: ‘Highly problematic’ that peace winner silentShareVideo Player is loading.
Ethiopian PM criticized by Nobel committee
Ethiopian Prime Minister and this year’s Nobel Peace Prize laureate Abiy Ahmed Ali has received rare criticism from the prize-awarding body for refusing to hold a news conference before the upcoming award ceremony.
Olav Njolstad, Secretary of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, told a local broadcaster on Thursday that it is highly problematic that Abiy will not meet the international press ahead of the ceremony.
He said freedom of expression and an independent press are vital for peace.
The award ceremony will take place in the Norwegian capital, Oslo, next Tuesday. It is a custom that a prize winner holds a news conference on the day before the event.
Abiy was awarded the prize for making peace with neighboring Eritrea and for carrying out democratic reforms, including the release of political prisoners.
Ethiopia has seen clashes and riots caused by ethnic rivalries, prompting criticism that Abiy has not adequately responded to the violence.
Nobel body: ‘Highly problematic’ that peace winner silent
Jan M. Olsen and Elias Meseret The Associated Press Published Thursday, December 5, 2019 9:20AM EST Last Updated Thursday, December 5, 2019 11:53PM EST
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed arrives to address members of parliament on the current situation in the country at the Parliament buildings, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Tuesday Oct. 22, 2019. (AP photo Mulugeta Ayene)
Nobel body: ‘Highly problematic’ that peace winner silent
Nobel body: ‘Highly problematic’ that Peace Prize winner won’t be taking public questions
By JAN M. OLSEN and ELIAS MESERET Associated Press5 December 2019, 23:303 min read
FILE – In this Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019 file photo, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed speaks during the Ethiopia-Korea Business Forum in Seoul, South Korea. The director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute says it is “highly problematic” that the 2019 winner of the Nobel Peace Prize won’t attend any event where he could publicly be asked questions. Olav Njoelstad on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019 said organizers “had wished that (Ethiopian Prime Minister) Abiy Ahmed would have agreed to meet the Norwegian and international press.” (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man, file)
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — The director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute has called it “highly problematic” that the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner won’t attend any event next week where he could be asked questions publicly, while the spokeswoman for Ethiopia’s prime minister cited “pressing” domestic issues and the leader’s “humble disposition.”
Organizers “had wished that Abiy Ahmed would have agreed to meet the Norwegian and international press,” Olav Njoelstad said, telling Norwegian broadcaster NRK on Wednesday that most Peace Prize winners have no problem putting aside three or four days for traditional Nobel events.
“We have been very clear about this and have clarified that there are several reasons we find this highly problematic,” Njoelstad said. “I think it has to do in part with the challenges he faces at home, and his religious faith and personal humility.”
Abiy’s press secretary, Billene Seyoum, told The Associated Press that it is “quite challenging” for a head of state to dedicate many days to the extensive Nobel program, particularly since “domestic issues are pressing and warrant attention.” Abiy will attend essential events in consultation with the Nobel Institute “to honor and respect the Nobel tradition.”
At the same time, “the humble disposition of the prime minister, rooted in our cultural context, is not in alignment with the very public nature of the Nobel award,” Billene said. “The prime minister is humbled and grateful for the recognition.”
Skipping the media isn’t unprecedented. U.S. President Barack Obama also declined to speak to reporters when he won the Peace Prize in 2009.
Abiy has rarely given interviews since taking office last year. His spokeswoman called him “one of the most accessible Ethiopian prime ministers to date in public and media engagements.”
Abiy was awarded the Peace Prize for making peace with neighboring Eritrea after one of Africa’s longest-running conflicts and for introducing sweeping political reforms, but already troubles are growing at home.
Violent unrest, sometimes along ethnic lines, is expected to worsen ahead of Ethiopia’s election in May. Debate has broken out on social media about whether Abiy deserves the award.
When the Peace Prize was announced earlier this year, Nobel chairwoman Berit Reiss-Andersen said some people may consider it too early to give it to Abiy, but “it is now that Abiy Ahmed’s efforts need recognition and deserve encouragement.”
The prime minister is expected to give his acceptance speech Tuesday at Oslo City Hall before officials, including Norwegian royals, after receiving the 9-million kronor ($945,000) cash award, a gold medal and a diploma.
Abiy also is to meet with Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg and open a Nobel Prize exhibition during a private ceremony.
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