Government Communications Department
Press release 516/2017
14/11/2017
On Tuesday 14 November, the President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed the humanitarian crisis in the Rakhine state in Myanmar. The reports on serious human rights violations are particularly alarming. The UN estimates that, since the end of August, over 600,000 people have fled Myanmar to Bangladesh. Along with the rest of the international community, Finland calls for an end to the violence and measures enabling a safe return to their home regions for the refugees. It is of utmost importance to ensure humanitarian access and respect for human rights. Human rights violations must be investigated and those responsible made accountable for their acts.
The meeting also discussed topical questions in the relations between Finland and Russia. Additionally, the President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy received an update on topical matters related to Finland’s NATO partnership.
Inquiries: Jukka Salovaara, Director General, tel. +358 295 350 636, Kimmo Lähdevirta, Director General (Myanmar), tel. +358 295 351 746, Ministry for Foreign Affairs