MARTTI Ahtisaari is a well-known name in Helsinki, even if it has been five years since the 68-year-old peace negotiator stepped down as President of Finland. But perhaps as a gesture of respect for the former leader, popularly recognized as a good man, Ahtisaari is still addressed as Mr. President.

At the Government Banquet Hall, just half a kilometer away from Finlands presidential palace, Ahtisaari was a witness last Monday to the historic si