Martti Ahtisaari Parties Quotations

Mediators do not choose the conflicts they became involved in, but the parties to the conflict choose the mediator. Their participation as intermediaries is based on the trust of all the conflicting parties.

As the talks are entering a sensitive phase, I appeal to all parties concerned to exercise utmost restraint on the ground.

The task of the mediator is to help the parties to open difficult issues and nudge them forward in the peace process. The mediator's role combines those of a ship's pilot, consulting medical doctor, midwife and teacher.