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70 Finnish nationals await evacuation from Afghanistan, minister says

The Foreign Ministry is trying to evacuate about 240 people from Afghanistan, while the Interior Ministry says it will not send anyone back there.

 Ulkoministeri Pekka Haavisto Afganistanin ajankohtaista tilannetta käsittelevässä tiedotustilaisuudessa
Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto (Green) is a former EU and UNEP envoy (file photo). Image: Heikki Saukkomaa / Lehtikuva
  • Yle News

Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto (Green) confirmed on Wednesday that two Finnish officials arrived in Afghanistan the previous night to facilitate further evacuations of Finnish citizens.

So far, a total of 70 Finnish nationals have asked for assistance in leaving the country, according to Haavisto.

Making the comments on Wednesday afternoon following a meeting with the Foreign Affairs Committee, Haavisto said that a total of 22 Finns have been evacuated from Afghanistan so far, four of whom departed on Tuesday night.

Earlier this week Finland vowed to evacuate 170 Afghans from the country, including embassy support staff.

When a reporter asked whether he thought it was safe for people to remain in Afghanistan, as the Taliban has claimed, Haavisto said it was a decision for people to make on their own.

"Whether to stay in Kabul is a personal question. We cannot influence [people's decisions], but we have informed everyone on the Finnish list that they are welcome to come to Finland and that we will protect them," he said.

Interior Ministry: No repatriations

Haavisto characterised the situation at Kabul's civilian airport as difficult.

The minister explained that the time planes were able to wait on the tarmac for passengers to board was limited, with some aircraft being forced to take off when they are only half full, because people could not reach them in time.

"We need more cooperation in order for this to work better," he said.

Also on Wednesday, the Interior Ministry said that Finland will not return anyone to Afghanistan, even those who have received negative asylum decisions.