Press release
Taoiseach pays tribute to former President of Finland and NI peace mediator, Martti Ahtisaari
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has paid tribute to the former peace negotiator and Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari who has died.
"Martti Ahtisaari was a statesman and peacemaker of distinction. In Ireland, we recall with particular gratitude his role, working alongside President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa, in overseeing the essential work of the decommissioning of IRA weapons.
"Martti leaves a positive legacy that spans continents. He was deservedly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2008 for his efforts, over three decades, to resolve international conflicts including in Namibia, Indonesia, and Kosovo.
"As President of Finland, he helped to facilitate his country’s entry to the European Union, and was a lifelong champion of European cooperation and solidarity.
"I extend my condolences to his family and friends in Finland and beyond, and all who worked with him.”