Harri Holkeri Quotes

We have the tools, but we have to learn how to use them. That is my political philosophy.

In every European nation, there have been problems in history when the society was too divided.

In Finland we have equal political rights for women and men. We do not regard ourselves according to sex.

I do not want to speak about overpopulation or birth control, but I think education is the way to give new impetus to the poverty question.

Men and women have roles - their roles are different, but their rights are equal.

I think I can regard myself as a political decision-maker.

Without rebuilding the confidence between parties, you will never succeed.

Peace enforcement is a much more difficult kind of operation than peacekeeping.

Discussion is just a tool. You have to aim; the final goal must be a decision.

If we go back in the history of different nations, violence and the use of force are part of their heritage. These are the traditions of mankind.

Without accepting the other person's thinking, you cannot further your own interest. You need the other's help to get results.

I really do hope that the Millennium Summit gives new impetus to the work of the United Nations.

If you come to a negotiation table saying you have the final truth, that you know nothing but the truth and that is final, you will get nothing.

We Finns represent a very transparent and open-minded way of reaching political decisions.

There are many challenges, there are many obstacles; let us try to change the obstacles to advantages.

What we can do as individuals may not be very much on the global scale, but we have to start the change by living as we are teaching.

You cannot make easy decisions unless you first commit yourself to hard solutions.