Armed forces may be allowed to provide emergency assistance abroad
Committee calls for revamping of Defence Forces legislation
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A committee considering amendments to the Act on the Defence Forces is proposing that the Finnish Defence Forces should be allowed to take part in foreign missions dealing with the aftermath of terror attacks, natural disasters, and other calamities.
Under the measure, the aid could not involve the use of force. Instead, it would focus on the deployment of military personnel, supplying medical equipment, and transport help. The recipient would be another country or the UN, or other international organisation. Until now, the Defence Forces have mainly taken part in rescue work in areas close to Finland.
Participation in such future activities would be decided by the Ministry of Defence at the request of the ministry with jurisdiction over the matter. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs would also be consulted.
If the mission in question is an extensive one with important ramifications of principle, the decision to deploy would be made by the full government.
Those serving in the Defence Forces could be ordered to take part in the foreign aid project.
If the proposed new legislation on military service is approved, conscripts and reservists on refresher courses could also be ordered, under certain circumstances, to take part in the missions.
The proposal is based on the so-called solidarity clause in the draft constitution of the EU, in which member states commit themselves to work together to fight terrorism. Although the draft constitution has not been approved, Finland and the other member states committed themselves to the principle in 2004.
The committee submitted its proposal for the new legislation to Minister of Defence Seppo Kääriäinen (Centre) on Thursday. The draft is to replace legislation which dates back to 1974.
The bill would shift power from the Chief of Defence to the Minister of Defence. Under the proposal, the Defence Minister - rather than the Chief of Defence - would be in charge of proposing certain military orders to the President.
If the amendments are passed, the Defence Ministry would prepare matters related to strategic planning such as guidelines for defence policy, and the Defence Ministry would put them forward.
"All professional and military matters would continue to be in the hands of the Defence Forces and the Defence Staff", Kääriäinen said as he received the proposal.
According to the chairman of the working group, Marco Krogars, the matters in question would mainly involve the development of defence during peacetime, rather than action to be taken in crisis situations.
Kääriäinen noted that the changes would be in the spirit of the constitution, as increasing the powers of the Ministry of Defence would strengthen Parliamentary authority in defence policy. He noted that this would underscore the practice that has been established during this electoral term, under which the Minister of Defence has presented certain matters to the President on an unofficial level.
Kääriäinen emphasised that there have been no problems in preparatory work between the Defence Staff and the Ministry of Defence.
Proponents hope to bring the measures before Parliament before the elections in the spring. The legislation would take effect in 2008.
Helsingin Sanomat
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| 6.10.2006 - TODAY |
 Armed forces may be allowed to provide emergency assistance abroad
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