The Cabinet Commitee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed the situation in Iraq
Government Information Unit
Press release 325/2002
4 December 2002
On Wednesday, 4 December, the meeting between the President of the Republic and the Cabinet Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed the situation in Iraq.
The United States has turned to some 50 countries to inquire their readiness to engage in discussions on the possibility of providing supportive measures if the problem of mass destruction weapons in Iraq requires military action. As regards Finland, the inquiry focused on the capabilities to provide reconstruction assistance and humanitarian aid after the conflict had been solved.
The meeting accepted the following position:
"Finland has consistently supported the UN efforts to disarm Iraq of its weapons of mass destruction. The UN resolution 1441 on the issue was unanimously accepted by the UN Security Council. Finland considers it important that the resolution be implemented in line with the Security Council requirements.
On the basis of the aforementioned precondition, Finland is ready to examine the ways in which it could contribute to the UN action to implement the resolution.
The possibilities to provide reconstruction assistance and humanitarian aid will be examined in preparation for the aftermath of a possible armed conflict. Preliminary studies indicate that Finland has reasonable potential to participate in a UN-led reconstruction and humanitarian aid operations in Iraq.
In addition, the possibilities to participate in peacekeeping activities (e.g. with CIMIC staff), police operations and other civilian crisis management activities under the UN will also be examined."
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The UN Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission, UNMOVIC, has invited Finnish experts to participate in the inspections in Iraq. Finland will also contribute, in a significant manner, to the activities of the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, for instance in the field of radiation technology.
Further information: Markus Lyra, Director-General, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 9 160 55032.