Martti Ahtisaari

I'm concerned when certain movements or countries have been isolated from the international dialogue because then you have no way of influencing them.

I know what it's like when you are a refugee, living on the mercy of others and having to adjust.

There are always interests that are furthered by war. Therefore, those who have power and influence can also stop them... we should not accept any excuses from those in power.

Peace is a question of will. All conflicts can be settled, and there are no excuses for allowing them to become eternal.

The origins of my career as a peace mediator can be found from my childhood years. I was born in the city of Viipuri, then still part of Finland. We lost Viipuri when the Soviet Union attacked my country. Along with 400,000 fellow Karelians, I became an eternally displaced person in the rest of Finland.