Vanhanen and Stubb criticise Russian military action in Georgia

PM “disappointed” at use of military force, FM sees impact on ties with NATO

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Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen (Centre) says that the European Union must remain calm and united when dealing with the crisis in Georgia.
     “Possible sanctions, to say nothing about a falling out, are not the right way forward”, Vanhanen said at a summer meeting of the Centre Party in Tampere on Monday.
     In his a carefully-worded speech, Vanhanen nevertheless was quite outspoken when talking about Russia.
     “It is a disappointment for us that the use of military force continues to be a part of Russian foreign policy today”, Vanhanen said, adding that he sees the events as a “serious deviation from principles that have been agreed upon in international cooperation.”
     
“Neither Russia, nor any other country can have spheres of influence that extend into other countries, where the principles that have been jointly agreed would not apply”, Vanhanen said.
     He said that Georgia’s invasion of South Ossetia and Russia’s move into independent Georgia “brought war back to Europe”, where people had already grown used to the idea of an end to armed conflicts.
     Vanhanen also said that there is no need for Finland to worry, or to reconsider the country's foreign and security policy line, with its regional defence system and conscription.
     
Minister for Foreign Affairs Alexander Stubb (Nat. Coalition Party) discussed the conflict between Georgia and Russia at a meeting of Finnish Ambassadors in Helsinki. In his speech, he said that the date with three eights (August eighth, 2008, or 080808, when the fighting began) has become a dark turning point in world politics.
     Stubb says that the crisis affects the agenda of Finnish foreign and security policy, as well as relations between Finland and NATO.
     
“Now there is reason to consider membership. The time for a decision is not yet at hand. However, flexibility and frequency in the assessment of security policy should be increased. It cannot be like a slow-motion black-and-white film.”


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Finnish and French foreign ministers hold talks with Georgian President (11.8.2008)
  Vanhanen: South Ossetia crisis will affect next national defence report (19.8.2008)
  Politicians: Finnish policy unaffected by Caucasus crisis (13.8.2008)
  Stubb voices optimism over Georgia deal (12.8.20008)

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