The Nobel Peace Prize to President Ahtisaari

President Martti Ahtisaari attended a press conference on the Nobel Peace Prize at the Presidential Palace on Friday, 10 October 2008. The press conference is available as a video recording. * * * Statement by President of the Republic Tarja Halonen on the awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to President Martti Ahtisaari, 10 October 2008 “We have today heard that President Martti Ahtisaari has been chosen as a winner of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize. In their citation, the Nobel Committee thanked Ahtisaari for his efforts to resolve international conflicts on several continents over more than three decades. It is easy to agree with this citation.

President Halonen congratulated President Ahtisaari on the yard of the Presidential Palace. Copyright © Office of the President of the Republic of Finland

President Martti Ahtisaari has done pioneering work for many decades to resolve long-lasting and serious conflicts. We remember well his key role in resolving Kosovo’s status and his successful efforts in Aceh in Indonesia, in the Kosovo peace negotiations during his presidency and, in particular, in Namibia’s independence process in the 1970s and 80s. During his career, Ahtisaari has also successfully carried out many other international assignments, from grass-root level development work to high-level UN positions to demanding mediating duties.

As Finns, we can be proud that our nation’s contribution to world peace has been given the highest recognition. We have long traditions in peacekeeping and we are also experienced in civil crisis management. Additionally, we have individuals like Martti Ahtisaari who have with their own efforts and personal capabilities helped build a more peaceful and fairer world.

I would like to warmly congratulate President Martti Ahtisaari on the award. I also wish that this recognition will serve as an incentive for us all to work for peace and justice.”

Webcast of the press conference

Crisis Management Initiative

The Nobel Peace Prize