Finland Doesn't Support Sanctions against Russia

The recent fighting in Georgia has not prompted Finland to adopt economic sanctions against Russia. President Tarja Halonen says she considers it unlikely that European Union countries will take economic action against Russia. Finland agreed on its sanction position at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Foreign and Security Policy on Friday. The Cabinet Committee discussed the Russian-Georgian conflict together with President Halonen. A key aim of the meeting was for the government to reach a unified stance on whether or not to support sanctions ahead of Monday's emergency EU summit on the Georgian crisis. The Office of the French President has meanwhile stated that the EU is not planning sanctions against Russia. On Thursday French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, however, hinted that some EU states were considering imposing sanctions. Finland has Reservations on Possible EU Sanctions against Russia President Halonen: Finland Condemns Russia's Actions In Georgia YLE