Summary:
President Sauli Niinistö and Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini have given statements on the latest events in Syria.

President Niinistö said in a statement that the events in Syria threaten to jeopardise international peace. According to President Niinistö, it is important that the parties of the war quickly and thoroughly investigate the weekend’s events. Finding a solution through negotiations is the only way to calm down the situation for good.

President Niinistö stated that Finland condemns the use of chemical weapons in all situations.

Minister Soini is in the understanding that the Syrian government was responsible for the gas attack in Eastern Ghouta.

According to Mr Soini, the formula used in Syria’s gas attacks has been consistent and repetitive. Syria’s tactics is to hit targets regardless of civilian victims so that the last fighters would leave and they could take over the city. Mr Soini believes that the government and its supporters are behind such acts.

Minister Soini evaluated that there was a risk of escalation in the war. « 500,000 people have been killed and many countries use Syria as a battle field. They have interests, arms and arms dealers there, » he pointed out.

He added that there was a risk of increasing use of chemical weapons if the international community starts overlooking their use. « The Syrian war is a disgrace to humanity and international community which has not been able to put an end to it, » Minister Soini said and added that the major powers hold the key to the solution.

Media:  Ilta-Sanomat
Date: 9.4.2018
Journalist:
Main source: President Sauli Niinistö, Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini