Finns still wary of joining NATO

Satisfaction with foreign policy declines slightly

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No major changes have occurred in Finnish attitudes toward joining NATO in the past year.
      According to a study published on Thursday, 28 per cent of Finns want Finland to join the Western alliance. A year ago the figure was 26 per cent.
      The number of those who oppose joining NATO has nevertheless declined by nine percentage points.
      The proportion of those who are unsure has grown. They are seen as potential supporters of NATO membership sometime in the future.
     
Nearly one third of men - 31 per cent - are in favour of joining NATO. Only 25 per cent of women feel the same way.
      The main reasons for opposing NATO membership include fear that Finnish soldiers might be required to fight in wars of other countries, and the perception of a growing threat from Russia.
      While attitudes toward NATO have eased somewhat in the past year, the opposite is true in the issue of cooperation with NATO. Support for participation in NATO crisis management operations, and in its rapid response forces, has declined from a year ago.
     
Satisfaction with Finnish foreign policy management remains high, but it has been declining steadily.
      Currently, 79 per cent of respondents said that foreign policy has been handled well in Finland. The figure is the lowest since 2002.
      Last year, the implementation of foreign policy enjoyed an approval rating of 84 per cent.
     
The conscription system still finds favour among Finns. Three out of four are in favour of the present system in which all men are obliged to serve in the military. Ten per cent were in favour of an all-volunteer force.
      A majority, 52 per cent, felt that Finland should sign the Oslo agreement banning cluster weapons. Finland has not signed the treaty, as it wants to keep its cluster weapons. The ban on infantry land mines is supported by 62% of respondents.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  NATO disputes over rapid deployment strategies delaying Finland’s decision on taking part in NRF operations (29.8.2008)
  Ahtisaari reiterates support for Finnish NATO membership (13.10.2008)
  Finns increasingly unsure about NATO membership (18.9.2008)
  Stubb NATO comments raise questions (2.9.2008)

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