Parliament gave its unanimous support on Wednesday to the deployment of 200 Finnish peacekeeping forces in Lebanon next spring as part of the UN operation to guard the border between Israel and Lebanon.
There were no opposing voices in Parliamentary debate, and Parliamentary foreign affairs committee chairman Timo Soini (True Finns) noted that promoting stability in the Middle East is also in Finland’s interest.
“In an interdependent world even geographically distant conflicts affect Finland.”
In the view of Minister for Foreign Affairs Erkki Tuomioja (SDP), Finnish participation in peacekeeping efforts is at an exceptionally low level.
“It has been seen as a kind of rule of thumb that we should have about 1,000 soldiers in these tasks. Even after this decision, there would be only 500. This remains a historically low level”, he said.
Tuomioja also sees the move as boosting Finland’s chances of getting into the UN Security Council in 2013.
While no MPs voted against the measure, some concerns and reservations were expressed. Seppo Kääriäinen (Centre Party) emphasised that no operations are without risk. “Casualties are possible. Peacekeepers know this when they go and it is important that the people should also know this.” Jussi Niinistö (True Finns) lamented that international crisis management is being increased at a time when cost cuts are imposed on the defence of Finland.
Green MPTuija Brax was concerned about reports of inadequate health care for returning peacekeepers.
Foreign Minister Tuomioja said that there is readiness in the Ministry of Defence to make legislative changes to secure a high standard of care.
The debate also touched upon the overall situation in the Middle East. Annika Lapintie (Left Alliance) said that a sustained peace in the Middle East will not be possible until Israel withdraws from areas that it occupies and allows the establishment of a sustainable Palestinian state. Ben Zyskowicz (Nat. Coalition Party) criticised Lapintie for imposing conditions only on Israel, and not the Palestinians or Israel’s other neighbours. He quoted a fresh UN report according to which Syrian forces have killed at least 256 children in connection with ongoing anti-government demonstrations there.
