THE US: The head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee used the award of the 2002 Peace Prize to former US president Mr Jimmy Carter yesterday to deliver an unusually public attack on the US administration over its tough policy on Iraq.
Mr Gunnar Berge, chairman of the committee, followed words of praise for Mr Carter's long and worthy career with open criticism of President Bush's drive to oust Saddam Hussein, if necessary without UN support.
The Nobel panel often makes controversial choices but usually masks them in diplomatic language.
This time Mr Berge, speaking at a news conference, spelt out his hope that the award of the prize to Mr Carter would persuade Mr Bush to act through the UN rather than take unilateral action against Iraq.
Asked whether the award to Mr Carter was "a kick in the leg" to the US administration, Mr Berge, replied: "Yes, the answer is an unconditional 'yes'." In Norwegian, a "kick in the leg" means a "slap in the face".
Mr Carter was honoured for his work for peaceful conflict resolution in the two decades since he left office.
The official citation did not name Iraq and referred to US policy on Iraq only indirectly.
"In a situation currently marked by threats of the use of power, Carter has stood by the principles that conflicts must as far as possible be resolved through mediation and international co-operation," it said.
Mr Carter said yesterday that had he been a Senate member, he would have voted against giving President Bush authority to use force against Iraq.
There was an obligation to work through the UN Security Council, he said.