Russian consulate in Åland to continue

Finland will not take any new measures regarding the Russian consulate office in Mariehamn, Åland, according to the President and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy.

The committee on Tuesday discussed a legal analysis of special status of Åland and the Russian Consulate in Mariehamn under international law, said an official press release.

The President and the Ministerial Committee noted that, based on the analysis, no action will be taken with regard to the Russian Consulate in Mariehamn in the current situation.

The authorities are monitoring the activities of the Consulate to ensure that they are within its powers.

The meeting also discussed the situation in the Middle East and observed it essential that all parties ensure that civilians can leave the conflict zones and that humanitarian aid can get into Gaza.

The international community must be resolute in building a lasting peace based on the negotiated two-state solution.

The committee also began a discussion on the preliminary outcome of the negotiations between Finland and the United States on a Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA).

In addition, the committee received an update on the investigation into the damage to the BalticConnector gas pipeline.