Harri Holkeri
Encyclopedia
Harri Hermanni Holkeri KBE (Hon)
(ˈhɑrːi ˈhɛrmɑnːi ˈhɔlkɛri) (January 6, 1937 – August 7, 2011) was a Finnish politician of the National Coalition Party of Finland (Kokoomus). He was the Prime Minister of Finland
1987–1991, speaker
of the UN General Assembly
2000–2001 and headed the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo
from 2003- 2004 (leaving the position in the spring of the second year because of health issues).
from 1978–97, and candidate in the president elections
of 1982 and 1988. He also served as a member of Parliament from 1970 to 1978 and as the chairman of the National Coalition (Conservative) Party from 1971 to 1979. On July 1, 1991, he made the world's first GSM call. The historic call used Nokia
gear on GSM's original 900MHz band.
, 2000–2001. He also played a constructive role in securing the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland
.
(Counselor of State) in 1998 by the President of Finland Martti Ahtisaari
.
.
Order of the British Empire
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions...
(ˈhɑrːi ˈhɛrmɑnːi ˈhɔlkɛri) (January 6, 1937 – August 7, 2011) was a Finnish politician of the National Coalition Party of Finland (Kokoomus). He was the Prime Minister of Finland
Prime Minister of Finland
The Prime Minister is the Head of Government of Finland. The Prime Minister is appointed by the President, who is the Head of State. The current Prime Minister is Jyrki Katainen of the National Coalition Party.-Overview:...
1987–1991, speaker
Speaker (politics)
The term speaker is a title often given to the presiding officer of a deliberative assembly, especially a legislative body. The speaker's official role is to moderate debate, make rulings on procedure, announce the results of votes, and the like. The speaker decides who may speak and has the...
of the UN General Assembly
United Nations General Assembly
For two articles dealing with membership in the General Assembly, see:* General Assembly members* General Assembly observersThe United Nations General Assembly is one of the five principal organs of the United Nations and the only one in which all member nations have equal representation...
2000–2001 and headed the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo
United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo
The United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo or UNMIK is the interim civilian administration in Kosovo, under the authority of the United Nations. The mission was established on 10 June 1999 by Security Council Resolution 1244...
from 2003- 2004 (leaving the position in the spring of the second year because of health issues).
Domestic offices
Harri Holkeri was member of the board of directors of the Bank of FinlandBank of Finland
The Bank of Finland is the central bank of Finland. It is the fourth oldest central bank in the world.-History:The Bank of Finland was established on 1 March in 1812 in the city of Turku by Alexander I of Russia. In 1819 it was relocated to Helsinki...
from 1978–97, and candidate in the president elections
President of Finland
The President of the Republic of Finland is the nation's head of state. Under the Finnish constitution, executive power is vested in the President and the government, with the President possessing extensive powers. The President is elected directly by the people of Finland for a term of six years....
of 1982 and 1988. He also served as a member of Parliament from 1970 to 1978 and as the chairman of the National Coalition (Conservative) Party from 1971 to 1979. On July 1, 1991, he made the world's first GSM call. The historic call used Nokia
Nokia
Nokia Corporation is a Finnish multinational communications corporation that is headquartered in Keilaniemi, Espoo, a city neighbouring Finland's capital Helsinki...
gear on GSM's original 900MHz band.
Legacy
He chaired the United Nations General AssemblyUnited Nations General Assembly
For two articles dealing with membership in the General Assembly, see:* General Assembly members* General Assembly observersThe United Nations General Assembly is one of the five principal organs of the United Nations and the only one in which all member nations have equal representation...
, 2000–2001. He also played a constructive role in securing the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
.
Domestic
Holkeri was awarded the highest Finnish honorary title of ValtioneuvosValtioneuvos
Valtioneuvos is a Finnish title of honor awarded by the President to elder statesmen. It is in the highest class of the titles of honor...
(Counselor of State) in 1998 by the President of Finland Martti Ahtisaari
Martti Ahtisaari
Martti Oiva Kalevi Ahtisaari is a Finnish politician, the tenth President of Finland , Nobel Peace Prize laureate and United Nations diplomat and mediator, noted for his international peace work....
.
Foreign
Holkeri's efforts in Northern Ireland were rewarded with an honorary knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II of the United KingdomUnited Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
.