Toby Keith Stands by War Before Nobel Performance

OSLO -- American country singer Toby Keith says he won't apologize for supporting U.S. war efforts just hours before performing at the annual Nobel Peace Prize Concert.

Keith says he supports American troops who "fight evil" abroad and that he stands by President Barack Obama's decision to send more troops to Afghanistan. Obama is this year's Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Norwegian parliamentarians and a former Norwegian Nobel Committee member have criticized the decision to invite an artist known for penning war anthems to perform at a concert promoting peace.

Keith spoke to journalists Friday alongside Nobel Concert hosts _ rap artist Will Smith and his wife, actress Jada Pinkett Smith. Other artists, including British pop singer Natasha Bedingfield, also spoke.