Also, the water border crossings at Haapasaare, the port of Nuijamaa and Santio will be closed to recreational boat traffic from April 15.
The Finnish government has decided to keep the land border crossings between Finland and Russia closed. This was reported by the Helsingin Sanomat newspaper.
Therefore, border crossings on Finland’s eastern border will not open on April 14, when the current closure expires. The border will remain closed until a reversal decision is made.
Also, from April 15, the water border crossings at Haapasaare, the port of Nuijamaa and Santio, used for the movement of pleasure boats, will be closed. The government is preparing for the fact that the phenomenon of “instrumentalization” of movement may extend to water transportation.
“This may pose a risk to people trying to disembark and may create an additional burden on sea rescue services,” the Finnish Ministry of Internal Affairs said.
As you know, since last fall, Russia has been organizing asylum seekers on the eastern border of Finland, that is, turning people seeking asylum or a better life into a “tool” to achieve its own goals.
The government believes that this may affect Finland’s national security and public order in the country. Therefore, from mid-December, the eastern border is closed, except for the Vainikkala border station, which is intended for rail traffic.
According to Interior Minister Mari Rantanen, “Finnish authorities understand that the current situation is long-term. During the observations carried out in the spring, there was no evidence of a significant change in the situation. Moreover, at the beginning of spring, the possibility that pressure will increase “In Russia, hundreds, and perhaps thousands of people are arriving in areas close to the Finnish borders, which can be used as an instrument of pressure on Finland.”
Due to border closures, it is not possible to apply for international protection at land border crossings between Finland and Russia.
Earlier, the Finnish government decided to extend the closure of the border with Russia for another two months – until April 14.
We remind you that in Finland you can no longer drive cars with Russian license plates without special permission.
Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.