Russia admits Finnish airspace violation

Press release 183/2007
20 September 2007

Alexander Rumyantsev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Finland, today informed Minister for Foreign Affairs Ilkka Kanerva that Russia had investigated the alleged violation of airspace on the basis, among others, of material supplied by Finland. Russia admits having violated Finnish airspace offshore near Porvoo on 14 September.

According to Russia’s investigation, the violation of airspace was not intentional; it was caused by inadequate exchange of information between the flight crew and ground stations. Ambassador Rumyantsev stated that Russia regretted the incident and proposed that specialist discussions be held so that corresponding situations could be avoided in future.

Foreign Minister Kanerva expressed his satisfaction with the explanation presented by Russia and considered the idea of specialist discussions well founded.

Additional information: Minister Kanerva´s Press Attaché Juha Kirstilä, tel. +358 40 552 8200, and Adviser Mikko Hautala, tel. +358 9 1605 5332