Martti Ahtisaari, a former president of Finland has today been awarded the 2008 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to build a lasting peace from Africa and Asia to Europe and the Middle East.
I repeat an excerpt of my blog entry Principles in Political Negotiations from May 2008, which commented what a honor it was to interview Martti Ahtisaari for Neuvotteluvalta book:
Martti Ahtisaari, the former President of Finland and an international elite negotiator, emphasizes principles in international negotiations. He has been a key negotiator in Namibia, Aceh and Kosovo. In these situations achieving the autonomy or independence of the region has been right in principle.
Ahtisaari emphasizes that before national sovereignty “the people of the world want two things: that both the police and the juridical system would treat everybody equally. If these two things are in place, the development towards something better is possible. But quite often that is not the case.” Equality is one of the key principles. A good negotiator puts emphasis on principles, equality, on a reputation of being just and having a long-term credibility.Apologies for the low production values of my photograph with Martti Ahtisaari, which was taken earlier in 2008 at the Heathrow Airport. I am not particularly proud of that Toilets-sign or my holiday clothes!
Picture: Martti Ahtisaari and Sami Miettinen
Sources:
Interview with Martti Ahtisaari on 12 July 2007 by Sami Miettinen and Juhana Torkki for Neuvotteluvalta.
Principles in Political Negotiation blog entry
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