Serbia reverses Nobel boycott

BELGRADE, Serbia — Serbia has reversed its decision to boycott the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony honoring imprisoned Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo after facing sharp criticism from the EU and human rights activists at home. The government said Friday it is sending Ombudsman Sasa Jankovic to the ceremony "in response to the expectations" of the Serbian public. Serbia earlier had said it would turn down the invitation from the Nobel committee in favor of maintaining good relations with China, which has vilified the 54-year-old democracy advocate Liu. European Union officials have sharply criticized the move, expressing shock that Serbia, a candidate for EU entry, would meet China's demands. Seventeen other countries, including Russia and Pakistan, have announced a boycott. — AP