The current level of 1,000 peacekeepers with an annual budget of 100 million euros would probably be inadequate for future needs, he added.

Haavisto pointed out that two missions employing Finnish peacekeepers faced difficulties. In Kosovo, there are extra tensions over the future status of the area. In Afghanistan, the NATO ISAF force is vital in the creation of a dialogue between the factions dividing the country.

Finnish peacekeepers could also have a supporting role in the U.N. and African Union operation in Darfur, he believes. Currently discussions have focused on participation in an EU operation in Chad. The former EU Special Representative for Sudan feels a Finnish offer of help in the Darfur operation to be equally important.

In addition to traditional peacekeeping operations, Haavisto wants Finland to develop a role in civilian crisis management, the provision of humanitarian aid and reconstruction.

In 1995-99, Haavisto was Finland's Minister for Environment and Development, the first Green to serve in a European government. He has also led UN depleted uranium assessments in the former Yugoslavia.