Summary:
Member states of the international Arms Trade Treaty are gathering to Geneva this week. Finland has presided the agreement for a year with ambassador Klaus Korhonen as chairperson. The Finnish Committee of 100 criticises Finland for selling arms to Saudi-Arabia and the Arab Emirates while acting as chair of the treaty. Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini assures that the rules for arms export are very tight but notes that it is no use if Finland unilaterally and categorically bans arms export e.g. to the Middle East. According to Mr Soini, the most important thing now is to strengthen the treaty and that progress has already been made.

Media:  Kainuun Sanomat (E-edition, PDF)
Date: 13.9.2017
Journalist: Kirsi Hyytiäinen
Main source: –