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Häkämies's Washington Speech Signals New Tack

In Washington on Thursday, Finnish Defence Minister Jyri Häkämies delivered an unusually strongly-worded speech on Russia -- which he called Finland's most important security priority by virtue of its geographic position.
Speaking at an influential think-tank, the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the Defence Minister minced no words on the resurgence of Finland's eastern neighbour, saying "the very survival of the Finnish nation is at stake".

"The three most important security challenges from Finland's point of view are Russia, Russia and Russia," he said.

Häkämies based his view on the country's energy wealth, noting Russia will become much stronger on the world stage in the next decade.

New Pro-Washington Slant

His comments reflect a new tack in Finnish foreign policy since the conservative National Coalition Party joined the government in April. In contrast to the Social Democrats who dominated foreign policy for many years, the Conservatives are much more oriented toward Washington and NATO.

Häkämies did not directly say Finland should join the alliance but suggested it, saying "Geopolitics is back and its back with force and (those) who have the responsible for Finland's national security must make their own decisions."

However, he said it would be wrong to consider Russia as a threat to Finnish security. Häkämies added that it is the responsibility of other nations to persuade Russia to be a responsible player and partner in Europe.

Häkämies' trip to Washington follows a summer visit by his fellow conservative, Foreign Minister Ilkka Kanerva, who met with Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice at the White House.

On Thursday Häkämies is scheduled to meet with his US counterpart, Robert Gates, who has just returned from a visit to Iraq with President George Bush.

http://www.yle.fi/news/left/id69205.html