Government Communications Department
Press Release 137/2014
3.4.2014
On Thursday 3 April 2014, the President of the Republic and the Cabinet Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed the situation in Ukraine. The situation continues to raise concerns. It is important to respect international law, Ukraine’s sovereignty and its territorial integrity. Any breaches of them are unacceptable. Finland does not recognise the annexation of Crimea to the Russian Federation. It would be important that Russia takes steps to prevent further escalation of the situation.
Finland welcomes the decision to deploy an OSCE monitoring mission in Ukraine. Efforts aiming to find a political solution must be actively continued. Dialogue with Russia is important. A meaningful dialogue between Ukraine and Russia needs to be established.
It is important for Ukraine to carry out social and economic reforms and Finland is ready to support them in accordance with the EU decisions.
Finland will continue to implement the decisions made within the framework of the European Union and stresses the importance of the EU’s unity. The long border between Finland and Russia requires well-functioning and broad-based cooperation and interaction at various levels also in the current exceptional circumstances. It is also important for the long-term goals of the EU-Russia cooperation. In a situation of utmost necessity, Finland may in an appropriate manner be in contact with the Russian Federation at the highest level. At the same time, Finland strives to promote positive development of the situation in Ukraine through dialogue.
The Committee also received a presentation of the security situation of Finnish missions abroad. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs continuously monitors the security of its foreign missions.
Inquiries: Terhi Hakala, Director-General, tel. +358 295 351 300 and Ari Lahtela, Head of Security, tel. +358 295 350 862, Ministry for Foreign Affairs