Foreign Minister Tuomioja about the happenings in Syria

Press release 34/2006
5 February, 2006


The violent demonstrations in Damascus yesterday against foreign embassies destroyed the premises of Norwegian, Danish, Swedish and Chilean embassies. Foreign Minister Tuomioja strictly condemns the attacks against embassies made in Damascus. The responsibility for the integrity and security of the embassies is unequivocally in the hands of the Syrian Government. All efforts should now be concentrated to calming the situation down and preventing violence. We require that the governments and responsible religious leaders act toward this goal.

It is now important to continue objective dialogue. Still, this becomes possible only when the situation is peaceful.

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs organisation remains in a heightened state of alert particularly in the Middle Eastern region and in other Islamic countries. When travelling, Finnish citizens are advised to remain cautious, and to follow the reporting in the news media and the Ministry's travel advice notices.

Additional information: Press Attaché to Foreign Minister Tuomioja Susanna Parkkonen, tel. +358 9 1605 5012