Nobel peace prize 2008 has been awarded to Martti Ahtisaari (Finland) for his significant efforts to resolve international conflicts for more than thirty years. Martti Ahtisaari has involved in peacemaking efforts in Namibia, Bosnia, Northern Ireland, Indonesia, and Kosovo in various diplomatic capacities (in a polite manner) as described by Nobel foundation. Unlike other Nobel Prize winers Martii Ahtisaari is not a political leader or controversial figure. He is the former president of Finland (1994–2000).
Ahtisaari has played a prominent role in resolving dispute (which was there for a long time) in Kosovo and declared its independence from Serbia on 17th February 2008. When Yugoslavia had made break up with Kosovo, there were many regoinal conflicts arising, which led to Kosovo war 1999. The result of the war is, United Nations administered Kosovo. However, the politicians of Kosovo did not accept it. They wish to have independence. United Nations asked Serbia to withdraw its forces from Kosovo. Serbia do not want Kosovo to get independence. Ahtisaari brought the parties together on February 2006 to discuss independence of local government, which is an important for the protection of Kosovo and Serb peple. On 24 July 2006, Ahtisaari brought the parties together in Vienna for the first high-level talks on the status of Kosovo issue. On 2 February 2007, UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari delivered a settlement proposal, which included Kosovo Security system, Kosovo Justice system, and religious and cultural heritage. These provisions convinced the leaders of Kosovo. Later, all countries like United States,United Kingdom and other European countries supported Kosovo’s independence after many settlements made by Ahtisaari. Finally, on 7th February 2008 Kosovo parliament declared officially its independence from Serbia.