President of the Republic opened 2003 session of Eduskunta

President of the Republic of Finland Tarja Halonen opened the 2003 session of the Eduskunta [Parliament] on Wednesday 26 March 2003. In her speech to the newly elected Eduskunta President Halonen said that a prerequisite for observance of the letter and spirit of the Constitution is that representatives of the highest organs of state are firm and legal, but also capable of cooperation. "For my part, I am prepared to declare already now that I want good cooperation with the Prime Minister whom the Eduskunta elects and a Government that enjoys the confidence of the legislature."

Speaker of Parliament Anneli Jäätteenmäki and President of the Republic Tarja Halonen. Photo: Lehtikuva.

According to President Halonen the new Eduskunta is beginning its work at a time when the prevailing international situation is exceptionally grave.

"A US-led coalition has commenced military operations in Iraq. We do not yet know where this will lead and how many victims the war will claim. I hope the war ends as soon as possible. Finland's starting point has always been that the primary responsibility for international peace and security is vested in the UN Security Council. Military operations should not be launched without its authorisation."

Full text of the President's speech