Finland Times

 

The president, Sauli Niinistö. Photo Lehtikuva

Finland will not follow the example of Sweden in pledging to recognise the Palestinian state, said President SauliNiinistö on Tuesday. 

 

Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven on Friday said Sweden was gearing itself to recognisingthe Palestinian state.

 

According to Niinistö, Finland supports the two-state solution with regards to the Israel-Palestine issue, but the solution is dependent on harmony between the twonations.

 

“This issue has often been discussed. After that we will address the issue of recognition,” said the president while attending the Frankfurt Book Fairin Germany.

 

The president is also expected to meet with German political and economic leaders while in Germany, said a release from the President’s Office.

 

Earlier, on Monday,Foreign Affairs Minister ErkkiTuomioja said Swedish recognition of the Palestinian state may also affect Finland’s stance. Tuomiojasaid there is a possibility of all the Nordic states taking a common stand on the issue. However, he stressed that Finland would make its own decisions.