Belarus Foreign Minister Martynov makes a quick visit to Finland

Press release 4/2010
11 January 2011 

Sergei Martynov, Foreign Minister of Belarus, is visiting Finland today, 11 January. He has met with Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb.

Foreign Minister Martynov’s unofficial visit was organized at the request of Belarus, and at short notice. The quick stop in Helsinki and the meeting with Foreign Minister Stubb was arranged in connection with Foreign Minister Martynov’s trip to Brussels.

The foreign ministers discussed the election in Belarus and the following events. Foreign Minister Stubb conveyed Finland’s serious concern about the post-election violence to his colleague, and strongly condemned the use of force. Finland is especially concerned about the detainment of opposition leaders and the treatment of other civil society representatives and members of the press. Finland, like the rest of the EU, calls on Belarus to take rapid measures to improve the situation.

Foreign Minister Stubb appealed again for the release of presidential candidates Neklyayev and Sannikov. The minister also expressed his concern for the situation of the Sannikov family.

Additional information: Mikko Hautala, Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, mobile tel. +358 40 834 6758, Sanni Grahn-Laasonen, Press Attaché to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, mobile tel. +358 40 732 8340