Finland’s participation in negotiations on cluster munitions
Government Communications Unit
Press release 153/2008
23.5.2008
On Friday, 23 May, the President of the Republic and the Cabinet Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed Finland’s participation in the Diplomatic Conference on Cluster Munitions, taking place in Dublin on 19-30 May 2008, and in international crisis management.
The international treaty negotiations on cluster munitions are attended by representatives of 109 countries and 19 observer nations. All EU Member States are participating - Latvia, Poland, Romania, Greece and Cyprus as observers. The world’s largest producer and user countries, such as the United States, Russia and China, are not represented in the conference.
Finland considers it important that the humanitarian problems brought about by cluster munitions be discussed at the international level.
With regard to a new convention, the most difficult questions will relate to the definition of cluster munitions, transit periods and to the use of cluster munitions in international operations. During the process, Finland has supported the ban of cluster munitions without a fail safe mechanism and required exemption for technically more advanced cluster munitions. A majority of the participating countries is ready to accept wider restrictions.
The Cabinet Committee also discussed Finland's participation in international civil crisis management. The main priority will continue to be placed on the Nato operations in Kosovo and Afghanistan and on the EU operation in Chad.
In summer 2008, Finland will take over as Lead Nation in the Multinational Task Force Centre of the Nato-led KFOR operation in Kosovo for a year. The possibilities to support the Kosovo Security Force are also to be examined.
In the field of civil crisis management, the main challenge is the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo, EULEX Kosovo. Finland will deploy approximately 60 specialists to the operation, including police officers, judges, prosecutors, prison administration specialists and border guards. In addition to Kosovo, Finland currently participates in more than 20 civil crisis operations or activities run by various international organisations.
Finland will strengthen an integrated approach in the crisis areas. In addition to crisis management, target areas are provided with various other means of assistance too, including diplomatic action, development cooperation and humanitarian aid.
At the end of its meeting, the Cabinet Committee received information on Finland’s candidacy and campaign for the UN Security Council in 2013-14.
Further information: Pilvi-Sisko Vierros, Director General, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 9 1605 5032, Pentti Olin, Adviser, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 9 1608 8242 Pauli Järvenpää, Director General, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 9 1608 8140 and Esa Vanonen, Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of the Interior, tel. +358 9 1604 2347