Oslo, 10 October 2008
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The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the to Martti Ahtisaari for his important efforts, on
several continents and over more than three decades, to resolve
international conflicts. These efforts have contributed to a more
peaceful world and to "fraternity between nations" in Alfred Nobel’s
spirit.
Throughout all his adult life, whether as a senior Finnish
public servant and President or in an international capacity, often
connected to the United Nations, Ahtisaari has worked for peace and
reconciliation. For the past twenty years, he has figured prominently
in endeavours to resolve several serious and long-lasting conflicts. In
1989-90 he played a significant part in the establishment of Namibia’s
independence; in 2005 he and his organization Crisis Management
Initiative (CMI) were central to the solution of the complicated Aceh
question in Indonesia. In 1999 and again in 2005-07, he sought under
especially difficult circumstances to find a solution to the conflict
in Kosovo. In 2008, through the CMI and in cooperation with other
institutions, Ahtisaari has tried to help find a peaceful conclusion to
the problems in Iraq. He has also made constructive contributions to
the resolution of conflicts in Northern Ireland, in Central Asia, and
on the Horn of Africa.
Although the parties themselves have the main responsibility
for avoiding war and conflict, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has on
several occasions awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to mediators in
international politics. Today Ahtisaari is an outstanding international
mediator. Through his untiring efforts and good results, he has shown
what role mediation of various kinds can play in the resolution of
international conflicts. The Norwegian Nobel Committee wishes to
express the hope that others may be inspired by his efforts and his
achievements.
Source: The Nobel Peace Price
