Halonen and Putin discuss forest fires
Help sent from Finnish Lapland to Murmansk area
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President Tarja Halonen has discussed Russia's forest fire situation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The President's office announced on Thursday that during a recent telephone conversation between the two leaders, Halonen had emphasised the need to improve cooperation and communication in situations in which the effects of a fire can extend beyond the border. The two Presidents agreed to discuss the issue further when they meet in September.
During their conversation, President Halonen also gave Putin her condolences over Tuesday's crash of a Russian airliner in Ukraine.
The emergency services department of Finnish Lapland is helping colleagues in Russia put out a forest fire that has been raging on the Russian side.
Provincial Governor Hannele Pokka of Finnish Lapland received a request for help on Wednesday from the governor of the Murmansk region.
A fire engine, a personnel transport vehicle, pumps, and eight firefighters have been sent across the border, says the State Provincial Office of Finnish Lapland.
The costs of incurred by the international aid operation will be paid for out of Finnish state funds.
Finland has also offered help in putting out fires raging in further to the south, but officials say that the Russians have said that no help from Finland is needed.
Smoke from wildfires burning in the Karelian Isthmus and near Russia's border with Estonia had drifted into Finland as well.
Helsingin Sanomat
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| 25.8.2006 - TODAY |
 Halonen and Putin discuss forest fires |
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