According to Defence Forces Commander Jarmo Lindberg Finland hasn’t yet made a decision to participate in a campaign against the Islamic State, formerly known as ISIS. The defence chief added that no troops or military supplies would be committed to the operation.
“No decision has been made. If we provide any kind of support, then that will be outlined by the political leadership,” Lindberg said on Yle’s Aamu-tv breakfast magazine programme.
Last Friday President Sauli Niinistö outlined a joint position with government’s foreign and security policy ministerial committee, indicating that Finland would take part in an international operation to rout Islamic State militants.
Lindberg said while the matter had been discussed by committee members, no decision had been made.
“Time will tell what Finland’s position is,” Lindberg remarked.
The defence chief stressed that the United States-led anti-Islamic State front is not an official alliance or coalition.
“Maybe it’s a kind of alliance of the willing or an association that would be the appropriate term.
Countries that are willing have signed up for it,” Lindberg added.
So far the United States has gathered the support of more than 40 countries in the battle to defuse the Islamic State.
Lindberg said that destroying the militant group would be difficult, because it operates in many different countries.