Foreign Ministry statement concerning YLE television news at 20.30

Finland has publicly thanked Libya and Ambassador Azzarouk for their succesful activities concerning the release of the Jolo hostages. Finland conducted no other negotiations regarding the hostage crisis nor made any agreements with Libya, the Qaddafi Foundation or Ambassador Azzarouk. This was specifically stated also to Ambassador Azzarouk during his visit to Finland.

During the Jolo crisis Finland cooperated closely with Germany and France whose citizens were also held hostage. Certain elements of this cooperation between authorities remain classified for security reasons.

More information: Pertti Majanen, Under Secretary of State, tel. +358 – 40 – 554 6233