With my mother, I moved from one household to another before settling in the eastern part of Finland, in the city of Kuopio. Martti Ahtisaari cityeasternfinland Change image and share on social
The mere fact that I'm former head of state and former under-secretary in the U.N. system, it means that I can get in touch with anybody in the world, in theory. Martti Ahtisaari factheadmean Change image and share on social
Mediators do not choose the conflicts they became involved in, but the parties to the conflict choose the mediator. Their participation as intermediaries is based on the trust of all the conflicting parties. Martti Ahtisaari basechooseconflict share on social
The origins of my career as a peace mediator can be found from my childhood years. I was born in the city of Viipuri, then still part of Finland. We lost Viipuri when the Soviet Union attacked my country. Along with 400,000 fellow Karelians, I became an eternally displaced person in the rest of Finland. Martti Ahtisaari 000attackbear share on social
If the political will is there, we can solve anything. Martti Ahtisaari politicalsolve Change image and share on social
I'm concerned when certain movements or countries have been isolated from the international dialogue because then you have no way of influencing them. Martti Ahtisaari concerncountrydialogue Change image and share on social
The only people that can make peace are the parties to the conflict, and just as they are responsible for the conflict and its consequences, so should they be given responsibility and recognition for the peace. Martti Ahtisaari conflictconsequencemake share on social
The task of the mediator is to help the parties to open difficult issues and nudge them forward in the peace process. The mediator's role combines those of a ship's pilot, consulting medical doctor, midwife and teacher. Martti Ahtisaari combineconsultdifficult share on social
I have no superhuman powers. If people don't want to make peace, there is nothing I can do. Martti Ahtisaari makepeacepeople Change image and share on social
I know what it's like when you are a refugee, living on the mercy of others and having to adjust. Martti Ahtisaari adjustlivemercy Change image and share on social