Translation
SPEECH BY PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC MARTTI
AHTISAARI
AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING
OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ÅLAND ON 2.11.1998
In accordance with the Autonomy Act, the
Legislative Assembly of Åland is opened by the President of the
Republic of Finland or, on his behalf, by the Governor. Where the
self-governing status of Åland is concerned, the Constitution of
Finland accords the President of the Republic quite a special
role. In addition to the control function that he performs by
virtue of his right to exercise a veto in the event of the
Legislative Assembly having exceeded its powers under the
Autonomy Act, his office can be seen as a guarantee that
Ålands self-government will be respected and dealt with by
the State in a proper manner.
I want to emphasise in this context that it is important for the
whole country that self-government develops and thrives.
Consequently, my decision to open the Legislative Assembly
personally this year is based on a wish to show that I have a
strong interest in the system of self-government functioning to
the mutual satisfaction of Åland and the whole of Finland. It is
certainly also appropriate to note that the decision was made
long before the independence debate last summer and the language
debate more recently.
The debate about an independent Åland that flared up last summer
has received major attention throughout the country, not least
because the initiative was presented by a member of the
Government of Åland. There are certainly many people who expect
the President of the Republic to take a stance on a possible
drive for independence. It should first be emphasised that
the debate about Åland is new and that not even those
participating in it imagine that independence could be imminent.
Yet the fact that the possibility of a drive for independence
finds support also in official Åland means that the debate must
be taken seriously.
Ålands self-government has evolved as a solution to
serious international complications. It has been said that one of
the reasons why it has worked out so well is that everyone won
something in the arrangement: Finlands sovereignty over
Åland was recognised, Åland gained autonomy and Sweden
guaranteed that Åland would remain demilitarised and neutral.
Ålands self-government has been put forward in numerous
connections as an international model for resolution of
conflicts. Today Åland is one of the worlds most peaceful
and happiest regions. That is something worth standing up in
defence of. In this context I would like to make special mention
of Tanzanian President Mkapas visit here during the summer.
In a letter to me he has expressed his thanks for having been
able to visit Åland.
This is what he wrote: "It was very thoughtful of you to
arrange for us a visit to Åland where we were not only received
very well, and accorded excellent hospitality, but where we also
had the opportunity to learn of the intricate relationship
between Åland and the State of Finland. Some aspects of that
relationship could find application in the evolving relationship
between the Zanzibar and Union Governments. In that case, we
might need your technical support in developing them for our
use."
The special status of Åland has aroused interest more widely as
well. For this reason a contact group is currently being set up
by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Government of Åland.
The tasks envisaged for it would include making the Åland model
of self-government better-known in the world and presenting it
through the Ministry and our diplomatic missions abroad.
Increasing cooperation of this kind between the Helsinki
authorities and Åland lies in the interests of all involved.
The Republic of Finland has no interest in the present
arrangement being changed. The reasons for this are many and
complicated. In this context I shall only point out the most
important one: an independence movement in Åland would upset
stability in the region. In a troubled world we should still be
able to stand out as an example of how conditions can be
gradually developed without ourselves introducing new uncertainty
factors. Independence for Åland would today mean completely
unpredictable changes. All international relations not
least with the European Union would have to be built up
again and what willingness to do this would exist is completely
uncertain. As a tiny state, Åland would be economically
vulnerable in the absence of the security that the present
economic system provides. The existing restrictions in relation
to economic activities and land acquisition would presumably be
impossible, because the EU would no longer approve any
exemptions. Even the basis for protecting the Swedish language
would disappear, meaning that international conventions would
have to be implemented in full, with absolutely no exceptions
being permitted. Swedish would become the majority language
rather than a minority one. Last but not least, the security
situation in the Baltic Sea region would be upset in a way that
cannot be foreseen.
There is, naturally, nothing wrong with people in Åland
discussing the question of independence and studying its
consequences and the chances of achieving it, but it is my wish
that Ålands official line will be kept clear. It will be
unfortunate both for Åland and for the whole country if mixed
signals are received. Therefore I want to express my wish here
that in their coming work both the Legislative Assembly and the
Government will make it clear that the present autonomy is the
foundation on which they stand and for which they are working. At
the same time, I feel it is my duty in my capacity as the
President of the Republic to make it clear that Finland has no
intention of relinquishing the sovereignty that the League of
Nations recognised. It is equally clear that Finland will
continue to work to develop the system of autonomy and it is my
hope that this will continue to be able to happen through
understanding and mutual respect.
Language and language policy are questions that easily
prompt a surge of emotions. That language is such an important
part of everyones personal identity is certainly one
explanation for this. I want to urge all who cast themselves into
the language debate to be conciliatory. A strong respect for
ones own language rights together with respect for others
is a good foundation on which to build. This applies not only in
Finland, but also within the multilingual European Union.
In todays highly technological society, language questions
are also acquiring new dimensions. The opportunity to provide
citizens with services through the medium of their own mother
tongue is often limited to what is technically possible. Now,
however, technology is opening up completely new opportunities to
provide services in several languages. In many sectors of
administration the opportunity to obtain services through the
medium of ones own mother tongue is an important
prerequisite for ensuring that peoples legal rights are
safeguarded. In Ålands case, the tax administration is one
such sector. It is important that when new computer systems are
being built up the software is made bilingual. It does not cost
much then, but is expensive to do later.
Despite the comprehensive reforms and
changes that have happened in recent years, many new and
important tasks now await the Legislative Assembly. A bill to
amend the Autonomy Act is before Parliament. There is a direct
link between the bill and the proposed new Constitution of
Finland, which is intended to come into force in the year 2000.
Other amendments to the Autonomy Act are being considered by a
working group, which is expected to submit its report early next
year. It is my hope that solutions will be found to, especially,
the problems that relate to oversight of the constitutionality of
legislation and deliberating EU questions.
With these words I declare the Legislative Assembly of Åland
open and hope its work will prove successful for the province and
its people.