Tue, 18 Jun, 2013 12:07:17 AM
Kultaranta discussion sees options over NATO issue
FTimes-STT Report, June 18
President at the open discussions at Kultaranta in Naantali on Monday. Photo - Lehtikuva.
President Sauli Niinistö on Monday warned not to generalise Western values but to keep the values of others into consideration as well while discussing issues having global importance.
The president made the call at the open discussions on “foreign and security policy” being participated by about 100 analysts critics and exports at his summer residence in Kultaranta.
‘Our values are good but we should take others’ values into consideration,’ said Niinistö adding that the discussants should not to be driven only by emotions. Criticism on critical matters like security and human rights deserve realistic approaches for discussion, he said.
Member of Parliament, Mari Kiviniemi, Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen and Foreign and European Affairs minister Alexander Stubb in the discussion programme. Photo - Lehtikuva.
None can say now where the global power would be concentrated after twenty years, added the President.
Monday’s discussion focused on human rights, possible conflict of interest in commerce and the Finnish position on NATO with the discussants proposing options for defence investment.
They suggested enhanced investment in national deference and join with NATO or investing in national defence sector only without NATO.
Appreciating the output of the discussions took place on Sunday and Monday, the presidents said that the open discussions would be continued and bring some specific recommendations on issues of global and regional importance.
Minister for European Affairs and Foreign Trade Alexander Stubb termed the discussion pragmatic, effective and a rarity in Finnish history.
Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen, number of politicians, businessmen, representatives from government and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) attended the discussion on foreign and security policy of the country, Nordic and European Union and International military alliance NATO.
The analysts also discussed the Finland’s decision of joining in Iceland airspace surveillance.
The cabinet committee on Foreign and Security Policy on June 14 finalised the Finnish participation in training on airspace surveillance of Iceland early 2014.
