Statement by Mr Erkki Tuomioja, Minister for Foreign Affairs, in Tripoli, Libya

I would like to express the deep relief of the Government of Finland for the release of the hostages held in Jolo, in the Philippines. Their release was long overdue. Their ordeal had lasted over four months

We regret that not all the hostages were released. We insist on the early release of the remaining hostages.

At the same time, I would like to express the deep satisfaction of the Government of Finland for the fact that Seppo Fränti and Risto Vahanen are in good condition and are now able to return home safely.

The Government of Finland resolutely condemns hostage taking for any reason or motivation as totally unacceptable and repulsive, and and as a breach of international law. There can be no justification whatsoever for such an act of terrorism.

Unfortunately, this incident is not the only one that the international community has had to deal with. Hostage taking is a phenomenon all too often experienced in the world. The case of the hostages abducted from Sipadan that now has been finally concluded is yet another reminder for the governments of the need to redouble their efforts to uproot these activities. This is not possible without international cooperation. There is room for improvement in this respect. People should be able to travel and work freely and without fear, wherever they are.

In particular, I would like to thank our host, the Government of Libya, and its skillful negotiatiors for the constructive and effective role they, together with the Philippine authorities, have played in securing the release of the hostages. Their combined efforts were instrumental in ensuring the release. We are most grateful for them.

I also want to thank the Qaddafi International Association for Charitable Organisations for its valuable role in this respect. These efforts add to the previous Libyan humanitarian activities which have helped in resolving similar human tragedies in the past in various parts of the world.

We welcome this action by the Libyan authorities and of the Association as a recognition of the need to preserve the human rights and dignity of every human being as a basic principle of international relations. These principles are deeply rooted in international humanitarian law and human rights conventions. To upheld these principles is basic responsibility for every government.

I want to use this occasion to urge all governments to increase their cooperation and efforts in the fight against terrorism, as well as to intensify their efforts to root out poverty, persecution of ethnic, religious and other minorities and the denial of human rights; all ills that are breeding grounds for terrorism, growing out of despair.

In conclusion, I would like to reiterate our gratitude for the Libyan authorities and for the Association for their distinguished humanitarian role in the release of the hostages.