President Sauli Niinistö decided to bring clarity to the blurred discussion regarding military drills with the US on Wednesday. He said that the drills to be held this spring are technical and related to military skills, which develop Finland’s ability to defend the country. According to President Niinistö, they play no part in Finland’s view on NATO operations or Finland’s foreign policy. Finland’s security policy position is determined in so called Crisis Management Exercises, in which NATO partners’ position in relation to NATO is determined. « As NATO partner, we secure Finland’s territorial integrity. It is and will be the political content of Finland’s military drills », he added.

Media:  Helsingin Sanomat

Date: 25.2.2016

Journalist: Olli Pohjanpalo

Main source: President Sauli Niinistö