Middle East | Foreign Minister Valtonen on the recognition of Palestine: “Not now”

Foreign minister Elina Valtonen (kok) says that Finland follows the international discussion related to the recognition of Palestine, but is not ready to recognize Palestine now.

Three European countries, Norway, Ireland and Spain, all announced their confessions this week State of Palestine on May 28. Sweden recognized Palestine in 2014.

In other words, Finland’s line now differs from the line of its near neighbors Sweden and Norway.

“Finland has consistently supported the two-state model for decades. And that obviously includes the recognition of the Palestinian state. But what is the right moment – you can only do that once,” says Valtonen.

According to him, Finland prefers to recognize Palestine as part of a process that advances towards a truly peaceful solution for two states.

“Not now. But we, of course, live in this world and follow situations and talk closely with our partners.”

Valtonen emphasizes that the most important thing now is to achieve a ceasefire in the region, release the hostages and start the negotiation process towards a two-state model.

In addition, according to him, the access of humanitarian aid to the region must be facilitated. Recently, there have been messages again about problems with getting help.

About three out of four UN member states have recognized Palestine. Among these, however, there are no large European countries such as Germany, France or Great Britain, nor the United States.

In Denmark, the neighboring country of Finland, the parliament is scheduled to vote on the proposal of the opposition parties regarding the recognition of Palestine next week. However, the Danish government has announced that it is not yet ready to recognize Palestine, Danish public radio DR told.

Valtonen says that he does not recognize that the solutions of other countries create pressure on Finland. But the partners’ opinions and arguments are of course heard.

“And you can’t say that they don’t affect the formation of Finland’s position at all, of course.”

Valtonen says that the line of Finland’s foreign and security policy has been to do more than talk and that actions must have genuine impact. According to him, the recognition of Palestine now would not necessarily affect the most important thing, i.e. the ceasefire.

Despite this, according to Valtonen, political signals are important.

“I’m not saying that it doesn’t [Palestiinan tunnustamisella] would matter. But from the point of view of the peace process itself, it is difficult to influence this point now.”

INTERNATIONAL chief prosecutor of the ICC Karim Khan told on Monday seeking an arrest warrant from the Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu and the Minister of Defense of Yoav Gallant and the leaders of the terrorist organization Hamas in connection with the war in Gaza.

In Germany, the chairman of the government Steffen Hebestreit hinted on Wednesday that Germany would enforce the arrest warrant if it went into effect. Among other things, the news covered the matter Die Welt. Chancellor Olaf Scholz in turn refused to speculate on the matter, Reuters reported on Friday.

Valtonen says that Finland naturally respects international courts and the International Criminal Court and has consistently supported their work.

So Finland would arrest Netanyahu?

“Well, yes, we are definitely in a situation where the court’s decision would of course be implemented, let it be that there is still a long way to go.”

In the world, the ICC wants to apply for an arrest warrant has been criticized among other things, that it seems to equate the leaders of Israel and the terrorist organization Hamas.

Valtonen says that this is not the case and Finland could not accept such a thing.

“It’s about trusting international law and its ability to make an assessment.”

Valtonen also commented briefly in the interview with HS on the almost complete cutting of subsidies distributed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to organizations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the relevant organizations about this on Wednesday.

The surgeries have received strong criticism from organizations.

Among others, the Finnish UN Federation, the Finnish Atlantic Society and the president have received support Martti Ahtisaaren founded by CMI, an organization specialized in peace mediation.

The subsidies in question were granted this year for 1,063,000 euros. From that moment on, we plan to now cut a million euros. So there is almost no support left.

Valtonen says that the work is still in progress, and he does not comment on individual surgeries.

He says that, however, it is clear that Finland’s economic situation is challenging, and the austerity program drawn up by the government in the frame rush also targets the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry must find ways to adjust operations.

“And now, of course, every stone will be turned over.”

“This week we have already discussed with the organizations for the very reason that we consider the work they do to be very valuable. [–– ] In this case, for some organizations, it is a very large proportion of their total funding. In our opinion, it is also fair that they are able to consider alternatives.”