Kosovo and Iran discussed by the Cabinet Committee on Foreign and Security Policy
Government Communications Unit
Press release 376/2007
7.12.2007
On Friday, 7 December, the President of the Republic and the Cabinet Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed Kosovo and Iran at their joint meeting. The meeting also considered plans on Finland’s participation in international crisis management.
On 10 December, the UN Secretary-General is to be informed of the inconclusive negotiations on Kosovo’s status. This launches the final attempt to settle the status of Kosovo in the context of the UN Security Council. Finland would welcome a solution based on Security Council resolution. If this fails, Finland stresses the importance of EU’s responsibility and unity in reaching a solution in the status process. The matter is on the agenda of the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council on 10 December in Brussels and the European Council on 14 December.
The meeting between the President of the Republic and the Cabinet Committee on Foreign and Security Policy also focused on measures taken by the international community in relation to Iran's nuclear programme. The EU is considering possible further measures to support the UN Security Council’s demands for Iran.
The meeting also discussed plans on Finland's participation in international military and civilian crisis management in 2008. Finland emphasises an integrated approach to crisis management and closer coordination between civilian and military aspects in operations. Finland will focus its action on Kosovo and Afghanistan. Finland will also prepare to take part in the standby period of the European Union’s Nordic Battle Group and the EU’s crisis management operation in Chad and the Central African Republic. Key action will include the EUPOL operation that provides training to police forces in Afghanistan and the planned EU civilian crisis management operation that aims to support the development of the Kosovo police and the rule of law. This would be EU’s largest civilian crisis management operation and would send over 1,800 specialists to Kosovo. Finland will offer several dozens of experts to participate in the operation.
Further information: Anu Laamanen, Deputy Director General, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 9 1605 5519 and Pauli Järvenpää, Director General, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 9 1608 8140