Foreign Ministry confirms news of air space violations

Press release 165/2005
19 May, 2005


The news published today concerning violations of the Finnish air space are correct. During the past few months Russian Air Force planes have repeatedly violated Finnish air space. The planes have been en route to or returning from Kaliningrad. Violations have continued despite the fact that Russian authorities have been approached and a cessation of violations has been demanded. Finnish Air Force fighters have also visually confirmed violations.

The matter has been discussed in a joint meeting of the President of the Republic and the Cabinet Committee on Foreign and Security Policy and it will be raised at a political level with Russia.

Further information: Director General Yrjö Länsipuro, Department for Communication and Culture, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. 09 1605 5800