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Finland’s former president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Martti Ahtisaari, has passed away in Helsinki at the age of 86 after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease, as announced by the president’s office on Monday.
In a statement, the current president, Sauli Niinisto, expressed deep sorrow at the news of President Martti Ahtisaari’s passing.
Ahtisaari served as the president of Finland from 1994 to 2000, and during his remarkable career spanning over 40 years, he played a pivotal role in mediating an end to conflicts worldwide, from Indonesia to Kosovo and Namibia. His efforts garnered him global recognition and ultimately led to him being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2008.
As a former UN diplomat, Ahtisaari’s most notable achievement was overseeing the reconciliation between the Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebels in 2005, effectively ending a devastating three-decade-long conflict that had claimed the lives of around 15,000 people. Participants in the talks described Ahtisaari as determined and resolute, yet he was known for his sense of humor and warmth in informal settings.
Reflecting on his approach, Ahtisaari once shared, “I have enormous patience. I don’t typically lose my temper, but I can be firm.” He believed that his success lay in his ability to understand people.
Ahtisaari also played a significant role in guiding Kosovo towards independence, even though his intensive efforts could not secure an agreement with Serbia before Pristina unilaterally declared independence in 2008.
In September 2021, Martti Ahtisaari withdrew from public life as he battled Alzheimer’s disease, marking the end of an illustrious career dedicated to peace and diplomacy.
