US President Barack Obama accepted his Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo on December 10, but acknowledged the controversy over the award.
In addition, a scandal marred Obama’s arrival for the official ceremony in Norway. Officials of Obama’s administration canceled the dinner with the Norwegian Nobel Committee, the news conference, the interview for television, the meeting with children, the concert, the attendance of an exhibition organized in honor of the laureate and even the scheduled lunch with the King of Norway.
The fact that Obama canceled the lunch with the King of Norway insulted the whole nation, a Norwegian official said.
“Of all the things he is cancelling, I think the worst is cancelling the lunch with the king,” Siv Jensen, the leader of Norway’s largest party in opposition said. “This is a central part of our government system. He should respect the monarchy,” The Guardian quoted the official as saying.
Cuba ’s Fidel Castro criticized Obama for accepting the Nobel Peace Prize too. The leader of the Island of Freedom believes that the US president does not deserve such a prize. Castro also criticized Obama for the USA’s new strategy in Afghanistan.
“It seemed to me that day that I was listening to George Bush. His arguments did not differ much from the philosophy of his predecessor except for one fig leaf – Obama condemned tortures,” the ailing Cuban leader wrote for Granma.
