Serious moments and laughs for Ahtisaari at Nobel Concert in Oslo

Former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari, who received of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize on Wednesday, made one more official appearance linked with the prize when he attended the Nobel Concert held in Oslo on Thursday night.
      At the three-hour event, hosted by actors Sir Michael Caine and Scarlett Johansson, Ahtisaari delivered a speech calling for efforts to eliminate poverty from the world.
      “What are we offering those nearly one billion youngsters who want to have some hope in their lives?” Ahtisaari asked. “Are we guiding them to the criminals, to the terrorist recruiters, or are we seriously trying to see that we provide them with the education that provides work, and offer them an opportunity to become entrepreneurs in their own part of the world? If we do that, this is the best way of fighting terrorism in today’s world.”
      “If we work as I suggest, that we give young people hope and a good education, there is much less work for people like me. And I want to become unemployed.”
     
Performing at the concert were a number of solo artists, including singer Diana Ross, Nigerian musician Seun Kuti, and Finnish violinist Elina Vähälä with the Norwegian Radio Orchestra.
      At one point in the proceedings, Scarlett Johansson gave Ahtisaari a kiss on the cheek, prompting Caine to marvel at the former President’s good luck.
      “You got both the Nobel Prize and a kiss from Scarlett.”
      “I wasn’t sure if I should kiss you too”, Ahtisaari answered, getting a big laugh from the audience.
      “I'm waiting”, Caine responded. After a moment’s hesitation, Ahtisaari gave him a big hug.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Nobel Peace laureate Martti Ahtisaari makes appeal for peace in Middle East (11.12.2008)
  Nobel Peace Prize winner Martti Ahtisaari speaks of double standards in peace work (10.12.2008)
  Martti Ahtisaari wins 2008 Nobel Peace Prize (10.10.2008)

See also:
  Blessed are the peacemakers (11.10.2008)

Links:
  Nobel Peace Prize website
  CNN Showbiz website video: Ahtisaari speech at Nobel Concert