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Finland Participating in EU Anti-Piracy Mission off Somalia

Finland is to take part in a European Union initiative that aims to tackle the growing problem of piracy off the coast of Somalia. The naval mission will set off in mid-December.

Finnish personnel will mainly help staff mission headquarters in the United Kingdom.

"For the time being, Finns will not set foot on vessels deployed to the affected area. Several EU states are sending vessels, but at this stage Finland is sending soldiers to serve at headquarters," told Timo Kantola, head of the Foreign Ministry's Unit for Security Policy and Crisis Management, on YLE's breakfast television Wednesday.

The EU's input into the security operation is significant. More than ten EU vessels are being deployed to the area, explained Kantola.

Sources: YLE