President Halonen discussed with the Russian President about the situation in South Ossetia

Office of the President of the Republic of Finland Press Release 11 August 2008

President of the Republic of Finland Tarja Halonen and President Dmitry Medvedev of Russia had a telephone conversation on Monday, 11 August 2008, on his initiative.

President Halonen expressed her concern about the South Ossetian situation. She stressed the importance of an immediate ceasefire and emphasised fast delivery humanitarian aid. She appealed for Russia’s support for launching humanitarian aid efforts.

President Halonen believes that the troops should return to their positions of 6 August 2008. “There is no military solution to the situation”, President noted. However, we need mutually agreed, international observation to stabilize the area.

President Halonen also expressed her condolences to the families of the victims and to those wounded in the conflict.

As the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Finland aims that all parties agree to a ceasefire. President Halonen hoped that Russia will act to calm the situation so that the negotiations can be started as soon as possible. Finland would like to see close international co-operation on this.

President Medvedev expressed his views about solving the conflict during the conversation. He was concerned about the humanitarian situation and also mentioned the refugee situation in North Ossetia.