The panel of judges choosing this year's Man Booker International Prize have refused revered British author John Le Carre's request to have his name formally withdrawn from the literary competition.
The thriller writer, known for his novels The Tailor of Panama and The Constant Gardener, admits he is "enormously flattered" to be named on the shortlist for the top honour, but has no interest in awards.
He says, "I do not compete for literary prizes."
However, chief judge Rick Gekoski is refusing to bow to pressure from Le Carre, explaining the panel of judges, who are solely responsible for selecting the winner, are "great admirers" of the author's work and his name will remain on the list.
Philip Pullman is also among the 13 nominees for the prestigious prize, worth $96,000 (£60,000), which will be presented during a ceremony in London on 28 June (11).
Writer Howard Jacobson was named the winner of the 2010 award.
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