President Niinistö: Restrictions Must Be Imposed at Border Crossings ‘It Will Not Stop By Itself’
During his visit to Germany, President Sauli Niinistö commented on the increase in the number of undocumented asylum seekers from Russia to Finland.
So far, a few dozen asylum seekers have arrived at the border crossings from Russia every day in the past few days. In the past, Russia has refused to let through asylum seekers with incomplete travel documents.
On Wednesday, the Finnish media asked President Sauli Niinistö, who is visiting Germany, if the situation is now so serious that restrictions have to be introduced.
“Yes. Yes, I think we have to understand that it will not stop by itself,” Niinistö replied.
President Niinistö is in Germany with his spouse for an official visit hosted by the president of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
While Niinistö pondered on the rights of those seeking international protection, on the other hand, according to Niinistö, “a major exodus causes serious confusion and problems wherever it takes place.”
“I feel, and we must feel, concern for our own security,” he said.
Russia’s decision to allow asylum seekers to cross Finland’s eastern border could be due to Finland’s defense cooperation agreement with the United States, according to Niinistö. He referred to his earlier remarks that Finland must be prepared to face “mischief” from Russia if it wants to join NATO.
“We are reminded every day that Finland has joined NATO. I think this time it could be the DCA agreement that triggers the situation,” he said.
The Interior Ministry is currently preparing measures to limit the crossing of the eastern border. President Niinistö has discussed the issue with the government.
Source: finlandtoday.fi
