Summary:

Finland joined on Tuesday Western countries condemning the bombing of Aleppo by the Syrian army and Russia. In a statement, the President and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy condemn the intentional targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure such as hospitals and urge parties to the conflict to commit to a nationwide ceasefire and to ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches the city. Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini commented on the statement in Parliament by saying that it is shameful to the international community that such murdering is allowed to go own and that Russia has a central role in it.

Summary:

President Sauli Niinistö said in press conference on Friday that he was surprised to hear that the international team investigating the MH17 incident were not able to use the data from missile tests in Finland in their report. There are two teams investigating the incident, a Dutch one and an international one, and Finland had only given the Dutch team permission to use the data. According to Mr Niinistö, Finland has received several aid requests from Holland and has had to compare each one to the secrecy conditions of the supply contract of the Buk missile system. The latest request, pertaining to more detailed information about the missile system and the permission to share it with the international investigation team, has not yet been processed. Mr Niinistö says the matter is delicate because it is related to arms trade, not because it is related to Russia.

Summary:

Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini attended a party convention by the British Conservative Party in Birmingham and commented on the MH17 missile scandal. Mr Soini says that Finland did the right thing by aiding the Dutch investigation and does not believe the incident impaired Finland’s reputation. Mr Soini also commented on Brexit. Mr Soini wishes the British EU exit takes place swiftly. He thinks it is clear that both parties – Britain and the EU member states – will have to make compromises. A good deal with Britain is in the best interests of Finland. He believes Finns will continue to be able to work and study in Britain after Brexit.

Summary:

An unofficial document by Finland on EU defence has been released. The document outlines that EU defence integration should focus on securing Europe, crisis management, supporting partners, and preventing and responding to external threats. The plan is pragmatic and emphasises the creation of security and defence partnerships after Britain’s decision to leave the EU. Finland also proposes additional funds to EU joint combat forces and to research and development of military technology.

Media:  Verkkouutiset / Nykypäivä

Date: 27.9.2016

Journalist: Kasperi Summanen

Main source: –