United Nations Radio

The Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the awarding of this year's Nobel Peace Prize to veteran peace maker Martti Ahtisaari.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson today, he says he is delighted that the prestigious prize has been given to Mr. Ahtisaari, a long-standing United Nations colleague and ally in the cause of peace, development and human rights.

The Secretary-General pays tribute to Mr. Ahtisaari's exceptional career in the service of the global community, with missions ranging from the former Yugoslavia to Namibia and the Horn of Africa.

Mr. Ahtisaari's mediation also helped to achieve a peaceful settlement in Aceh between the Government of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement.

The Secretary-General notes that, whether working inside or outside the United Nations, as President of Finland or on the international stage, Mr. Ahtisaari has never ceased to champion the principles and ideals of the Organization.

The prize, comprising a gold medal and $1.4 million, will be given to Mr. Ahtisaari at a ceremony in Oslo, Norway, on 10 December, the anniversary of the death of Swedish inventor, Alfred Nobel who established the award.

This is Dianne Penn for United Nations Radio.

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