“In awarding this year’s Peace Prize to Shirin Ebadi, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has its finger on the world’s pulse. The award is an important recognition of a courageous and highly respected Muslim woman and defender of human rights,” said Norwegian Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik when he learned who had received the Nobel Peace Prize for 2003.

“The committee’s choice is an inspiration to all those who are fighting for human rights and justice, not only in Iran and the Muslim world, but in every country. This year’s award is also an inspiration to dialogue and improved relations between the Muslim and the Western world,” said the Prime Minister.

He continued, “Shirin Ebadi is an Iranian woman who combines her Muslim faith with a strong and fearless commitment to democracy, the rule of law and human rights, especially the rights of women and children.”

“As an active Muslim, Ms Ebadi has been working for changes in the way that Iranian law is practised, including its application to religious minorities. She wants to build bridges between religions by focusing on the values that unite us,” said Prime Minister Bondevik.