Cabinet Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed the situation in Syria

Government Communications Department
Press release 424/2013
11.10.2013

On Friday, 11 October, the President of the Republic and the Cabinet Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed measures taken by the international community to eliminate Syria's chemical weapons stockpile. The Cabinet Committee commended United Nations Security Council Resolution 2118 and the decision taken by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). These desicions have launched a mission on the dismantling of Syria's chemical weapons capabilities. Finland prepares to provide EUR 250,000 in support to OPCW's Syria trust fund. As necessary, Finland can offer two experts to the OPCW-UN joint mission. When more detailed plans of the mission are made by the OPCW and the UN, it is possible to consider offering more experts and other assistance.

The meeting discussed Nordic defence cooperation (NORDEFCO) and Finland's current NORDEFCO chairmanship. Finland's objectives as the NORDEFCO chairman in 2013 are to develop Nordic defence cooperation, discuss the future of this cooperation and highlight Nordic perspectives in security policy debates.

In addition, the Committee discussed the Seoul Conference on Cyberspace to be organised in the Republic of Korea on 17-18 October 2013. Minister for Foreign Affairs Erkki Tuomioja will participate in the conference.

The Committee also addressed the issue of providing information to Parliament on the long-term challenges of Finland's defence.

Inquiries: Kirsti Kauppi, Director General, tel. +358 295 351 561, Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Helena Partanen, Director of Unit, tel. +358 295 140 310, Ministry of Defence