Ileana Ros-Lehtinen: “In recognition of his efforts to peacefully protest an immoral and unjust system while leading some 20 million South…”

“In recognition of his efforts to peacefully protest an immoral and unjust system while leading some 20 million South Africans toward freedom, Desmond Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984. In presenting the award, the chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee recognized that the repression of the apartheid regime was so brutal that "a violent rebellion would be an understandable reaction." However, he stated, that on a broad front a campaign that is being fought with the weapons of spirit and reason, a campaign for truth, freedom, and justice, the contribution that Desmond Tutu has made and is still making represents a hope for the future. He is an exponent of the only form of conflict solving which is worthy of civilized nations.”