Berlin - Germany welcomed Friday the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to Martti Ahtisaari of Finland, with Chancellor Angela Merkel saying he had "veritably contributed to world peace.""You have demonstrated over decades and on different continents that with a long view, stubbornness, tact and persuasiveness, it's possible to find peaceful and fair solutions to difficult and dangerous conflicts," she wrote in a congratulatory message released by her staff.
Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said the Finn had made a major contribution to stability and peace.
Deputy government spokesman Thomas Steg said the former Finnish president, 71, was a "meritorious European."
