Nobel Prize, Ignoble Politics

China's behaviour over the award of the Noble Peace prize to Liu Xiaobo one of their own citizens, but one who is in prison for protesting for human rights, has been nothing less than shameful

..... but the behaviour of some of their 'friends' around the world has been equally disgraceful.

 

A total of 17 countries, plus China, have said they will not be going to the ceremony: I have listed these countries, just so I am reminded of why the world is such a hell hole for so many of its inhabitants:

• Russia - Ex-Communist Russia, has continued to stoke up cold war rhetoric, as well reverting to authoritarian mode. 
• Kazakhstan - Ex-Communist state, where China is one of the main investors in the oil-rich country. 
• Algeria - Muslim state, but Algeria and China have an increasingly close economic relationship. 
• Tunisia - Muslim state, the country does not approve of a dissident being awarded the prize.
• Saudi Arabia - Hard line Muslim state, supposedly our 'friend', China is also now a major trading partner.
• Pakistan - another recipient of western money, but Pakistan sees China as its most important ally. 
• Sri Lanka - Sri Lanka has growing economic ties with China via 'loans'.
• Iraq - Muslim state, supposedly our 'friend', but China is an active investor in Iraqi oilfields.
• Iran - Muslim Theocracy, relies on China to block tighter sanctions against it over its nuclear activities.
• Vietnam - Communist State, but its not clear why they have taken China's side as they are not allies.
• Afghanistan - Muslim state, supposedly our 'friend' but China is a source of development aid.  
• Venezuela - 'Socialist' State, which has supported the Cuban position on the award.
• Egypt - Muslim state, dissident factor is important for a government that still cracks down on the opposition.
• Sudan - Hard line Muslim State, but Sudan has strong economic ties with China.  
• Cuba - Mr Castro thinks the committee is making a political point, to which he objects.
• Morocco - Muslim state, which also has concerns over the principle that dissidents be awarded the Peace Prize.

 

Serbia had originally opted to boycott the ceremony, but changed its mind and will now send its ombudsman because its applying to join the EU.

What a shameful list of nations .... barely a democracy between the lot of them.