President Halonen not planning any Middle East initiatives

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President Tarja Halonen does not plan to make any initiatives of her own for a solution to the crisis in the Middle East. Speaking to reporters at an agricultural fair in Seinäjoki on Friday, Halonen emphasised the importance of cooperation between the European Union and the United Nations.
      In her view, Finland could not help the situation much by "going solo".
      She also predicted that a UN resolution should emerge soon.
     
The President saw no confusion in the roles of Finland’s foreign policy leaders. Cooperation between the government and the President has worked well.
      "The most visible face of the holder of the EU Presidency in international politics is naturally that of the Foreign Minister", Halonen said.
      She said that opportunities to influence events will come either by arrangement, or as by-products. The President’s recent interview with the Arabic al-Jazeera television channel was scheduled already in the spring, but its significance changed when the crisis in Lebanon broke out.
      "If it increased the credibility of the holder of the presidency as a messenger of the European Union, then that’s good".
      She also emphasised that careful preparations had been made for the interview at the Finnish end. She added that it precisely corresponded to the view promoted by the holder of the EU Presidency.
     
Halonen underscored the importance of calm consideration on the question of sending forces to the Middle East. The President noted that the previous experiences in Iraq and other such cases have taught all countries that there needs to be a clear desire for peace between the two sides before a peacekeeping force can succeed.
      A decision on participation in international forces that might possibly be sent to Lebanon is to be made separately. President Halonen emphasised that it is futile to expect any promises on participation from any country.
      "Finland will decide on the matter, as will other countries, when a plan is in place on how to operate."
      Halonen does not feel that it is possible to go there to forcibly change the prevailing situation. Success in such a venture would be unlikely, in her view.
      The Finnish President nevertheless said that she is optimistic with respect to the Middle East.
      "All pressure that we can create between the parties to make the weapons go silent, is extremely important."


Previously in HS International Edition:
  President Halonen on al-Jazeera: Outside intervention no solution to Mideast crisis (3.8.2006)

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