BBC News | AMERICAS | Castro put up for Nobel

BBC News Online: World: Americas

Friday, 16 March, 2001, 22:30 GMT

Castro put up for Nobel

Cuban President Fidel Castro has been nominated for the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize by a left-wing Norwegian parliamentarian.

Hallgeir Langeland said he was aware of the controversial character of his decision, but he wanted to praise Mr Castro's efforts to help other developing nations.

Other Nobel Peace Prize nominees
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan
US peace broker Richard Holbrooke
Former US President Jimmy Carter
Falun Gong founder Li Hongzhi
Japanese historian Saburo Ienaga

He added that despite the hardships created by the long-standing United States embargo on Cuba, Mr Castro had been able to send doctors, engineers and aid workers to other countries.

Mr Langeland said he hoped the nomination would "start a debate on the creation of a fair world, where capitalism does not rule".

The list of candidates includes the United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, and the founder of the Chinese Falun Gong movement, Li Hongzhi

"What do people prefer? The right to vote or free access to schools, health care, housing and food, as is the case in Cuba
Hallgeir Langeland

The awards committee keeps the list secret, but those eligible to nominate candidates are allowed to announce their choice.

Among those entitled to put forward names are former laureates, legislators, certain university professors and members of the Nobel committee.

For this year's Peace Prize, there have been 132 nominations, including 29 organisations and 103 individuals.

The winner will be announced on 12 October.

Related to this story:
Powell takes tough line on Castro (14 Mar 01 | Americas) US court exposes Cuban 'honey trap' (10 Mar 01 | Americas) US eases Cuba embargo (28 Oct 00 | Americas) Clinton shook Castro's hand (08 Sep 00 | Americas) Castro: The great survivor (19 Oct 00 | Americas) The Nobel Peace Prize (11 Oct 00 | Europe)

Internet links: Norwegian Parliament | Government and politics of Cuba | Cuban Government |
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites