Oslo, Oct 10 (IANS) Former Finnish president Martti Ahtisaari was Friday awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2008 “for his important efforts, on several continents and over more than three decades, to resolve international conflicts”.In awarding the prize, the Norwegian Nobel Committee noted that Ahtisaari’s efforts have contributed to a more peaceful world and to “fraternity between nations” in Alfred Nobel’s true spirit.

Throughout all his adult life, whether as a senior Finnish public servant and president or in an international capacity, often connected to the United Nations, Ahtisaari has worked for peace and reconciliation, the committee said.

For the past 20 years, he has figured prominently in endeavours to resolve several serious and long-lasting conflicts.

In 1989-90, he played a significant part in the establishment of Namibia’s independence, while in 2005 he and his organization Crisis Management Initiative (CMI) were central to the solution of the complicated Aceh question in Indonesia.

In 1999, and again in 2005-07, he sought under especially difficult circumstances to find a solution to the conflict in Kosovo.

In 2008, through the CMI and in cooperation with other institutions, Ahtisaari has tried to help find a peaceful conclusion to the problems in Iraq. He has also made constructive contributions to the resolution of conflicts in Northern Ireland, in Central Asia, and in the Horn of Africa, the committee said.

Although the parties themselves have the main responsibility for avoiding war and conflict, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has on several occasions awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to mediators in international politics.

“Today, Ahtisaari is an outstanding international mediator. Through his untiring efforts and good results, he has shown what role mediation of various kinds can play in the resolution of international conflicts. The Norwegian Nobel Committee wishes to express the hope that others may be inspired by his efforts and his achievements,” a statement from the committee said.