Ahtisaari staunchly defends Kosovo independence

Former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari, the winner of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize, has given a spirited defence of the independence of Kosovo, which was established following his mediation efforts in the conflict. Ahtisaari was speaking at an international press conference in London on Friday.
      Ahtisaari became somewhat upset when the justification of the independence of Kosovo was challenged by a questioner who noted that only about 40 countries around the world have recognised Kosovo’s independence.
     
“What would you have done?” Ahtisaari asked the journalists, adding that Kosovo’s independence was the only possible solution, and that he would not change one iota of the plan.
      In his view, Kosovo’s independence sends a clear message to the dictators of the world. “The message is that citizens cannot be treated like Serbia treated them.”
      Ahtisaari also rejected comparisons between Kosovo and Georgia’s breakaway territories of South Ossetia and Abkhasia.
     
Ahtisaari told the international press that he was humbled and grateful to accept the Nobel Peace Prize.
      “I staunchly believe that we can resolve every conflict in the world”, the President said optimistically.
      As in Helsinki, Ahtisaari became annoyed when asked how he plans to use the more than one million euros in prize money.
      “Don’t worry, this is not a huge sum. Now I am in the city deciding on a prize worth five million dollars.”
      On Monday, the Mo Ibrahim Prize for achievement in African leadership will be handed out in London, and Ahtisaari is a member of the prize committee.

More on this subject:
 Ex-Russian ambassador defends Ahtisaari Nobel Peace Prize

Previously in HS International Edition:
  Blessed are the peacemakers (11.10.2008)
  Martti Ahtisaari wins 2008 Nobel Peace Prize (10.10.2008)
  Ahtisaari: Georgia war hurt credibility of Russian security initiatives (14.10.2008)
  Mediator Martti Ahtisaarís efforts receive full support from West in Kosovo talks (22.9.2006)

Links:
  Mo Ibrahim foundation