Dear Editor,
My generation grew up with an understanding that the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to someone with quintessential skills at forging peace. Someone we should all look up to; a person who has obtained universal approbation, and seen is as a peace model, even as the world yearns after that elusive goal of universal peace.
This recent award to Liu Xiaobo seems a betrayal of the lofty ideals of the prize and can only tarnish its image. The Norwegian Committee on this occasion must have lost its way and could very well be confusing trouble-makers with peace-makers. Beyond that, as the UPF has pointed out, we need recognize the difference between peace-talkers and peace-makers.
The initiator of the prize, Alfred Nobel’s bequest is quite clear: the prize should go to one who has done well for the fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies, and the holding of peace congresses.
Like others, I fail to see how Mr Liu Xioabo could be a winner ahead of persons who have hosted peace conferences bringing together people from every continent and of every faith. The award committee needs to be careful not to allow itself to unwittingly be the instrument of any group or ideology.
I have shared experiences with those who visited the People’s Republic of China recently and there is no evidence to suggest that Liu’s activities were calculated to bring about peace. On the contrary, it may very well be that apart from tilting at windmills Liu may be a surrogate of those who envy the monumental strides China is making in social, political and economic reform.
Let us all work ceaselessly for peace at home and abroad, as we remember these words, ‘Peace of all worldly blessings, is the most valuable.’
Yours faithfully,
Hamilton Green JP
