The Mitchell Institute community was very saddened at the news that Martti Ahtisaari has passed away.  A former President of Finland, recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, and respected international mediator, Martti Ahtisaari played a significant role in the Northern Ireland Peace Process, especially through his role in the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning.  His peace-making role extended across many parts of the world, including Kosovo, Iraq, and Indonesia.  At Queen's University, he delivered the first Harri Holkeri Lecture in 2013, which also marked the establishment of the Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation and Social Justice (a forerunner of the  Mitchell Institute). 

Professor Richard English, Director of the Mitchell Institute, commented: 'Everyone at the Institute is saddened to hear the news about Martti Ahtisaari, somebody who made a great contribution to peace-building globally, and who was a great friend to Northern Ireland and to Queen's University. We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.'

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