Election support force in Afghanistan
Government Communications Unit
Press release 341/2009
13.11.2009
On Friday, 13 November, the President of the Republic and the Cabinet Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed Finland's participation in the ISAF forces that supported the organisation of elections in Afghanistan. The Finnish election support force returned to Finland on 28 October 2009. Due to the prolonged Afghan election process, the execution of the force’s duties was challenging. Finnish peacekeepers’ performance in Afghanistan was excellent.
The meeting held a discussion on ways to improve communications in rapidly evolving situations.
The meeting also discussed Finland’s comprehensive crisis management strategy. The purpose of the strategy is to strengthen a comprehensive approach in Finnish crisis management activities. Finland will continue to participate actively both in military and civilian crisis management. The aim is to further increase the combined effect of military and civilian crisis management, development cooperation and humanitarian aid. Finland aims to promote a comprehensive approach within the EU as well as in other international cooperation.
Further information: Afghanistan: Teemu Tanner, Director General, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 9 1605 5032 and Helena Partanen, Defence Councellor, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 9 1608 8155; comprehensive crisis management strategy: Anu Laamanen, Deputy Director General, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 9 1605 5519