Washington - The United States praised Martti Ahtisaari for dedicating his life to ending conflicts around the world after the former Finnish president won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday.

"The United States warmly congratulates President Ahtisaari and commends the Nobel Committee for its wise decision to award the Nobel Prize to Martti Ahtisaari," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said.

"President Ahtisaari has dedicated his life to promoting peace throughout the world. It is deeply gratifying to see his work and achievements honoured in this manner," McCormack added.

The Nobel Committee in Norway announced in Oslo earlier Friday that the 71-year-old Ahtisaari had won the prestigious award for "for his important efforts, on several continents and over more than three decades, to resolve international conflicts." (dpa)