Yalta Initiative denies information that winners of Peace Prize competition have already been chosen

In light of the reports by some media that the jury of the Peace Prize competition has already decided on its winners, the Coalition of Chechen and Russian NGOs "Yalta Initiative for Peace in Chechnya" finds it necessary to declare:

1. The decision on two winners of the competition will be made at the session of the Coalition's Board Council in Moscow on February 10.
2. There are 41 nominees for the prize. They are public figures and organizations involved in the peacekeeping process in the fields connected with the war in Chechnya.
3. Each nominee stands an equal chance of getting the prize. The winners will be chosen as a result of the coordinated decision based on the criteria that are indicated in the Peace Prize competition regulations.
4. Names of the winners will be officially announced after the session of the Coalition's Board Council. We ask media workers to refrain in future from publications based on rumors and unconfirmed data about Peace Prize competition winners.

Board Council of the Coalition of Chechen and Russian NGOs "Yalta Initiative for Peace in Chechnya"

3 February 2004

Editors note: See also the articles "Peace prize of Chechen and Russian non-government organizations", ""Yalta Initiative for Peace in Chechnya" announces new deadline for "Peace Prize" competition applications".