Russians and dual citizens living in Finland establish an association to protect their interests. The association’s first task is to try to open the eastern border.
On Sunday evening, followed an event at Oodi, Helsinki’s central library, where the closing of the eastern border was discussed and the founding of a new association was reported.
The purpose of the association is to promote the interests and rights of Russians and dual citizens living in Finland.
Its first task is to try to open the eastern border.
About fifty people participated in Oodi’s event. Finnish citizens were also present. The association is intended for all persons for whom the closure of the eastern border causes problems.
According to the currently valid decision, the eastern border is closed until January 14.
presented Oodi’s opportunity to the host For Karina Terekhova seven questions about the situation on the eastern border and the association.
1. What kind of problems does closing the eastern border cause?
– Problems will arise for many Finns, not only for the Russian minority. Problems are related to family ties, when, for example, elderly relatives live on the other side of the border.
– Problems also arise for those studying in Finland, because they have no other way to get money from their families than to get cash from Russia. All means of money transfer have been cut off at the beginning of the Russian war of aggression.
2. What kind of association are you founding?
– We thought of founding an association to protect rights and interests. It deals with the problems that arise in these circumstances and the government’s decisions that override the rights of certain minorities and other Finns.
3. Does the association focus on the problems arising from the decision on the eastern border?
– With these prospects, it is the first thing we have to deal with. We do not limit our activities to this question only.
– There will certainly be other issues that require a general dialogue with Finland’s decision-makers.
3. How soon will the association be established?
– During the coming weeks, we are currently making the final adjustments.
4. What kind of message do you want to send to the Finnish government?
– Follow your own laws. You know how many laws have been broken in the border closure decision.
– My message is that there are other solutions. You have to look for them in the dialogues. Soon we will have such an association with which we can organize a dialogue.
– We are cooperative and decent citizens. We are your neighbors, colleagues, teachers, servants, nurses. We are by no means enemies, we are proper citizens of Finland.
5. Does it worry you that the eastern border is completely closed?
– Yes, and that must worry all Finns, not just us.
6. Do you understand the Finnish government’s point of view that safety is the reason for the closure?
– We completely understand. We agree with the Finnish government, but now we have to look for other solutions. You can find them.
– All solutions that respect human rights are good.
7. What do you think when the Finnish government says that Russia is behind the asylum seekers coming across the border?
– We can’t have an opinion on that, because we don’t know everything about this situation.
– However, it can be exactly like this. Still, answers and solutions to such high challenges must be found in the legislation.