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EU Commission President Barroso congratulates former Finnish President Ahtisaari on his Nobel Peace Prize

Summary: 10 October 2008, Brussels - President of the European Commission, José Manuel Durão Barroso, congratulates Martti Ahtisaari, former President of Finland on winning the Nobel Peace Prize

"On behalf of the European Commission, it is my great pleasure to congratulate Martti Ahtisaari, a very committed European, for being awarded today the Nobel Peace Prize. His long and successful record in the service of the international community makes him a truly outstanding laureate.

"During his long diplomatic career, President Ahtisaari has relentlessly promoted peace, stability and democracy throughout the world. As Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Namibia, he helped the country to move towards democracy and independence. He successfully led the peace negotiations between the Free Aceh Movement and the Government of Indonesia.

"In the European Union and in the European Commission, we have the highest respect for President Ahtisaari with whom we have had an excellent cooperation, I myself, Commissioner Olli Rehn and Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner in particular.

"During his Presidency, Finland joined the EU. Finland's role as an active member of our Union was then highlighted during the first Finnish EU Presidency in 1999.

"But we also know President Ahtisaari for his untiring efforts to maintain peace and stability on our continent. He played a key role during the International Conference on the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s. His strong commitment and excellent negotiating skills were crucial in the talks to end the fighting in Kosovo in 1999. As the UN Secretary General's Special Envoy for Kosovo, he played a major role in contributing to the security and stability of the region of the Western Balkans.

"In 2000, Mr Ahtisaari was one of the team overseeing the inspections of IRA weapons decommissioning in Northern Ireland.

"I am confident that Europeans and people worldwide will benefit from President Ahtisaari's commitment and diligence also in the future."

  • Ref: EC08-209EN
  • EU source: European Commission
  • UN forum: 
  • Date: 10/10/2008


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