Author questions Nobel Peace Prizes

OSLO, Norway, Oct. 6 (UPI) -- The author of a book about Alfred Nobel's will says the late industrialist wouldn't be happy with some of the Nobel Peace Prizes given out in his name.

Fredrik S. Heffermehl, who analyzed all of the Peace Prizes in his book, told Norway's Aftenposten that 45 percent of selections since World War II are in accordance with Nobel's wishes.

"Disarmament and anti-militarism was what Nobel wanted to promote," said Heffermehl in an interview published Monday in the English language newspaper. "Nobel didn't start a peace prize but a prize for promoting peace in particular areas and ways."

Heffermehl cites as conflicting with Nobel's wishes peace prizes given to Al Gore and the Panel on Climate Change and Mohammed El Baradei and the International Atomic Energy Commission.

"Nobel wanted the prize to be given for promoting peaceful coexistence by reducing militarism and by building a framework of international law through peace congresses," he said.