Azerbaijan International

Winter 2003 (11.4)
Page 23

Best Deterrent Against Terrorism

"If the 21st century wishes to free itself from the cycle of violence, acts of terror and war, and avoid the repetition of the 20th century - that most disaster - ridden century of humankind; there is no other way, except by understanding and putting into practice every human right for all mankind, irrespective of race, gender, faith, nationality or social status. In anticipation of that day and with much gratitude"

Shirin Ebadi, (b. 1947) upon accepting the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway, on December 10, 2003. Ms. Ebadi is a lawyer and human rights and democracy activist. Both in her research and as an activist, she is known for promoting peaceful, democratic solutions to serious problems in society.

This year's Nobel Prize, worth $US1.32 million, was given to Ebadi from a record field of 165 candidates, including Pope John Paul II and former Czech President Vaclav Havel.

Ebadi was the 11th woman to win the Peace Prize, as well being the first Muslim woman and first recipient from Iran. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter (b. 1924) won the Peace Prize in 2002, and United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan (b. 1938) received it in 2001.

The Prize was originally established from the will of Alfred Nobel (1833-1896) legendary Swedish philanthropist, who established the Nobel Prizes. Few people, however, know that Alfred had two older brothers, Robert (1829-1890) and Ludwig (1831-1888), who were the founders of the Nobel Brothers' Petroleum Company in Baku, and among the first international entrepreneurs to develop Baku's oil. It was Alfred's money, not only from the manufacture of dynamite, but also from oil in Baku that facilitated the establishment of this most coveted prize in the world.

For this reason, Azerbaijanis, too, feel related to this prestigious award which identifies some of the world's most distinguished individuals who have contributed to the intellectual development of mankind. The Nobel Prize is bestowed each year in six categories - physics, physiology, chemistry, literature, economics and peace.


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