Nobel peace prize

I am confused by the news that the US supports the nomination of Rebiya Kadeer, a native of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region who attempts to separate the nation, for the 2006 Nobel peace prize.

Abraham Lincoln was the US president respected worldwide. He thought secession illegal and was willing to defend federal law and the Union. Lincoln could be the winner of the Nobel peace prize as he defended the unification of the United States. Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa, was the winner of this prize as he combated racism.

The Nobel peace prize should belong to the people who defend the integrity of a country and the dignity of people of all races. It should never go to a person who attempts to split a country and to destroy peace. Otherwise, it could be a big irony.