Finland Times

Influx of asylum seekers from Tussia has continued since the turn of the year.

More than 500 people have applied for asylum at the Salla and Rajajooseppi border crossing points within a week.

“If a solution through negotiation does not move ahead, each (country) is able to decide the restriction of border activities,” Soini told news agency STT at the Rovaniemi airport on Friday terming the situation as serious.

The Russian authorities, according to Soini, may choose to influence the arrival of asylum seekers to Finland.

The Foreign Minister, however, did not comment on the motive of the Russian authorities and instead said he was adamant that the activity was the work of organised crime.

Prime Minister Juha Sipilä and Russian president Dmitri Medvedev as well as Finnish and Russian interior ministers are expected to meet next week.

Soini said the issue has been under discussion with Russia at all times and at different levels.

“I believe that it is possible for the Russian authorities to handle this matter to the satisfaction of both parties,” Soini said.

He, however, did not comment on whether Finland could turn back the asylum seekers to Russia.

Soini pointed out that Norway was at the moment sending back asylum seekers.