Summary:
According to Finland’s President Sauli Niinistö, the poisoning attempt of the Russian agent, Sergei Skripal, in the UK is a very severe blow to international security. He finds that Russia should contribute to the investigation of the crime.

President Niinistö said that both alternatives proposed to the events, the fact that Russia has been an active player in the events, and that the dangerous substances are not under its control, are both very worrying.

According to the President, Finland is ready to give all its support and help to the UK.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini expects that Russia acts like a responsible country and answers the questions it has been asked. According to Minister Soini, it is expected that Russia will respond in some way to the UK’s decision to banish 23 Russian diplomats due to the poisoning case.

Minister Soini added that the murder attempt was a very serious issue. « It is severe that chemical weapons are used in Europe. We have to find out who did it and they must face justice, » he said.

The Minister said that Finland would be ready to help the UK in the investigation, if it has the competence, but it will only help if the UK asks for it.

Minister Soini pointed out that now the relations between the UK and Russia are extremely cold. He hopes that they can solve their problems, because it must be done.

Media:  Aamulehti , Demokraatti.fi, Kaleva
Date: 14.3.2018
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