2000 Nobel Peace Prize

presented

Mikis Theodorakis with, on his right, PASOK secretary Costas Scandalidis and Dimitris Avramopoulos, Mayor of Athens (Photo ANA)

Renowned composer Mikis Theodorakis' candidacy for the 2000 Nobel Peace Prize was presented on Tuesday (29/2/2000) in Athens by the committee, which nominated the artist last November.

The committee, composed of playwright Giorgos Skourtis, Parliament deputy Giorgos Lianis and Giorgos Pantagias, presented the candidacy file in the Old Parliament Building. It was noted that the committee that never before did a Greek candidate for a Nobel Prize enjoy such universal support from political and civic leaders, as well as from neighbouring countries.

The candidacy was endorsed by President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos, all opposition parties, municipal leaders, representatives from Cyprus and of the Central Jewish Council of Greece. There are also signatories from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and Turkey.

In his statement, Simitis said "with joy and pride I countersign the candidacy of Mikis Theodorakis for the Nobel Peace Prize of 2000... with his unparalleled work left his indelible mark on the art and culture of the 20th century. At the same time, he worked with the same burning passion for world peace, democratic ideals and the brotherhood of mankind".

On his part, the composer said he considered the "universal acceptance of my candidacy not so much as the recognition of myself as a composer, but as a citizen."

Concluding his address Theodorakis said the international community should view the award as recognition to Greece's sacrifices ideas and struggles.

Athens, 01/03/2000 (ANA)