SAO PAULO, Sept. 19 (UPI) -- Brazil's president is a frontrunner for the Nobel Peace Prize, Brazilian news sources reported Friday.
According to Nobel official Stein Tonnesson, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is a strong candidate for the prize for his role in fighting social inequities in South America.
Among others considered for the Nobel award is Iranian dissident Hashem Aghajari -- currently in prison -- for his attempts to promote reform in the conservative, Islamic state, and Santo Egidio for his work to combat AIDS in Mozambique and promote peace in the poor African nation.
Prominent leaders nominated include French President Jacques Chirac, British Prime Minister Tony Blair and U. S. President George Bush.
Pope John Paul II was also nominated.
The Nobel committee is expected to pick a recipient by the end of September, those has until Oct. 10 to make a choice.
