Martti Ahtisaari

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

Wars and conflicts are not inevitable. They are caused by human beings.

The only people that can make peace are the parties to the conflict, and just as they are responsible for the conflict and its consequences, so should they be given responsibility and recognition for the peace.

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.

No country's policies are eternal; they do vary. People are growing old, and a new generation is coming to power. In a year's time, a government can look different. You can't influence them if you don't talk to them.

If one has problems with immigrant communities in Europe, that should not be used against Turkey.

If the political will is there, we can solve anything.

In the last year of my presidency, I travelled 200 days out of 365. You have to lead a very disciplined life. To be able to do that, I need a lot of sleep. But I have no problems sleeping. On long days, I can easily take a nap for 20 minutes in the afternoon.

Luck has a lot to do with how your life develops.

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.

I'm one of those people who, as long as I am still healthy and my thoughts are more or less clear, I don't think I can retire entirely.