OSLO, Norway, Jan. 29 (UPI) -- Two Norwegian politicians have nominated National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden for the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize because they believe he contributed to a more peaceful world order by exposing secret U.S. surveillance programs. <\/p>\n
The public debate and changes in policy that have followed in the wake of Snowdens whistleblowing have contributed to a more stable and peaceful world order, Norwegian parliamentarians Snorre Valen and Baard Vegar Solhjell wrote in the nomination letter obtained by Bloomberg. <\/p>\n
Snowden, 30, is currently in Russia on temporary asylum after leaking classified documents about the NSAs spying programs. He faces charges of theft and espionage. <\/p>\n
Although Valen and Solhjell wrote theres no doubt that the actions of Edward Snowden may have damaged the security interests of several nations in the short term, they believe his actions have in effect led to the reintroduction of trust and transparency as a leading principle in global security policies. <\/p>\n
Valen and Solhjell represent the Socialist Left Party in the Norwegian parliament. They did write that they dont necessarily condone or support all of his disclosures. <\/p>\n
According to Attorney General Eric Holder, if Snowden returned to the U.S. and pleaded guilty, prosecutors would negotiate with him. <\/p>\n
The Nobel Prize winner will be announced in October. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons won last years Peace Prize. <\/p>\n
[Bloomberg] [The Independent] <\/p>\n
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