Wed, 17 Aug, 2016 12:01:41 AM Foreign ministry probes into sexual harassment charges FTimes – STT Report, Aug 17  Jarmo Viinanen. File Photo – Lehtikuva. Finnish Ambassador to Sweden Jarmo Viinanen has been closed following allegations of sexual harassments.
Foreign ministry sources said the ambassador has been re-called from Stockholm and re-assigned to other duties.
The decision was taken after an internal inspection had been conducted at the embassy by the ministry following claims of inappropriate behaviour by Viinanen, said the ministry sources.
According to the ministry, the inspection revealed inappropriate treatment.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Timo Soini revealed that the embassy’s operating conditions has worsened.
He said Viinanen’s prospects for continuing in the post had deteriorated, so he proposed fast-tracking a transfer to a ministerial post for the diplomat, reported the national broadcaster Yle.
The matter will next be reviewed by the cabinet and President Sauli Niinistö. Once the heads of state and government have considered the case, the ministry will provide information about possible further actions to be taken, said the Yle report.
A Finnish language tabloid, Iltalehti, reported earlier in July that accusation of sexual harassment had been levied against Viinanen.
The report said Viinanen was accused of harassing both guests and employees of the embassy.
The inspection investigated, among other things, Viinanen’s leadership and the well-being of Stockholm’s embassy, said the ministry.
The ministry did not reveal anything more about the results of the internal investigation.
Viinanen has had a long career in key diplomatic positions. He was appointed the ambassador to Sweden in 2014. Prior to that, he worked in New York as the permanent representative to UN, sometimes referred to as the UN ambassador.
From 2000 to 2009, he was a foreign policy adviser to the President’s Office and also worked at the Prime Minister’s Office.
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