Round table discussion of topical Finnish–Russian family matters
Press Release 194/2010
17 June 2010
On 16 June the Embassy of Finland in Moscow organized a round table discussion where Finnish experts and representatives of the Russian media participated. The Russian journalists heard thorough explanations of Finnish family law, such as child welfare and the related taking children into custody and guardianship issues, which have recently figured prominently in the Russian media in connection with Finnish–Russian marriages.
Elena Zelinskaya, Vice President of the Russian communications association Media Union and member of the Public Chamber Commission for Communications, Information Policy and Freedom of Expression in the media, presented her assessment, according to which lack of information has been a problem in the Russian media’s handling of Finnish–Russian family difficulties in Finland. In her view, the round table was useful for increasing understanding concerning these matters. Zelinskaya said that the public treatment of Finnish–Russian family problems has prompted the central Russian actors to pay attention also to the problems of families living in Russia.
The Finns participating in the round table discussion included Ambassador Matti Anttonen of the Finnish Embassy in Moscow, Director-General Päivi Sillanaukee and Senior Officer Lotta Silvennoinen from the Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, and Director Pasi Tuominen from the Unit for Consular Assistance of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. In addition, Elena Zelinskaya took part in the round table discussion.
Nearly 30 Russian journalists attended the event. The leading Russian media represented included the television channels Russia Today, REN and TV Tsentr, the leading news agencies Itar-Tass and RIA Novosti, Russia’s third largest daily newspaper Moskovski Komsomolets and the widely circulating weekly Mir Novostei.
Additional information: Director-General Päivi Sillanaukee, Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, mobile tel. +358 40 532 8249, and Press Counsellor Vesa Kekäle, Embassy of Finland in Moscow, tel. +7 985 760 6887