Iraqi peace talks to begin in Finland within days
{{date|August 30, 2007}}

Talks aimed at negotiating peace between [[w:Iraqi Shi'ite|Iraqi Shi'ite]]s and [[w:Sunni|Sunni]] [[w:Muslim|Muslim]]s, the two largest population groups in [[Iraq]], are set to take place in [[Finland]] within the next few days.

The [[w:Crisis Management Initiative|Crisis Management Initiative]] (CMI) and the [[w:Finnish Foreign Ministry|Finnish Foreign Ministry]] have both confirmed reports that the pre-arranged talks are scheduled to begin soon in an undisclosed location in Finland. The CMI, a non-governmental organisation founded by former [[w:President of Finland|President of Finland]] [[w:Martti Ahtisaari|Martti Ahtisaari]], has organised the talks, which are said to include key politicians, including representatives of major political parties.

Although the CMI will host the talks, Finland will take no direct role in the discussions. Martti Ahtisaari specifically will not take part, either.

All of those to take part in the mediations are still to arrive in Finland, including mediators from [[Northern Ireland]] and [[South Africa]], who have already negotiated successful peace deals in their own countries.

The CMI has already succeeded once in helping two rival factions come to a peace deal. In 2005, the organisation arranged successful talks between the [[Indonesia]]n government and the [[w:Free Aceh Movement|Free Aceh Movement]].

{{haveyoursay}}

==Related news==
*{{wikinews|title=Sunni and Iraqi Shi'ite negotiators to meet in Finland|date=August 22, 2007}}

== Sources ==
*{{source|url=http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/6251620.html
|title=Talks on ending Iraqi violence to begin in Finland: report
|author=
|pub=People's Daily Online
|date=August 30, 2007}}
*{{source|url=http://newsroom.finland.fi/stt/showarticle.asp?intNWSAID=16615&group=General
|title=Iraqi Sunnis and Shias to meet in Finland within days
|author=
|pub=NewsRoom Finland
|date=August 30, 2007}}

{{Publish}}
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[[Category:Finland]]
[[Category:Iraq]]
[[Category:Politics and conflicts]] [[Category:Iain Macdonald (Wikinewsie)]]
[[Category:Sunni Islam]]
[[Category:Shia Islam]]
Talks aimed at negotiating peace between Iraqi Shi'ites and Sunni Muslims, the two largest population groups in Iraq, are set to take place in Finland within the next few days.

The Crisis Management Initiative (CMI) and the Finnish Foreign Ministry have both confirmed reports that the pre-arranged talks are scheduled to begin soon in an undisclosed location in Finland. The CMI, a non-governmental organisation founded by former President of Finland Martti Ahtisaari, has organised the talks, which are said to include key politicians, including representatives of major political parties.

Although the CMI will host the talks, Finland will take no direct role in the discussions. Martti Ahtisaari specifically will not take part, either.

All of those to take part in the mediations are still to arrive in Finland, including mediators from Northern Ireland and South Africa, who have already negotiated successful peace deals in their own countries.

The CMI has already succeeded once in helping two rival factions come to a peace deal. In 2005, the organisation arranged successful talks between the Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement.
Finland Iraq Politics and conflicts Iain Macdonald (Wikinewsie) Sunni Islam Shia Islam