Christmas Message from President of the Republic Tarja Halonen to Finnish peacekeepers on 24 December 2009

Finland has a respected position in international crisis management. Since 1956, tens of thousands of Finns have participated in peacekeeping activities and crisis management tasks around the world. We can be proud of their decades of work to promote peace, security, development and human rights.

The foundation for successful crisis management is built at home. Peacekeeping training started in Finland forty years ago. This training, which is of a high standard, has given Finnish peacekeepers excellent preconditions to carry out tasks in different crisis areas. Training has constantly been supplemented to meet the requirements of changing crisis management. Peacekeepers' and civil crisis management personnel's expertise is Finland's special strength.

Your activities have brought new hope to crisis areas this year too. Many families are now able to lead a more peaceful and secure life than before. In helping these local people, you have represented your country with honour.

A year ago, Finland completed its own national action plan to carry out UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. The objectives of the action plan are practical in nature and they are now an integral part of Finland's crisis management operations.

Women account for about two per cent of participants in Finland's military crisis management operations, but almost one third in civilian crisis management. In your work all of you - both men and women - meet local people, most of whom are often women and children. We Finns place great value on gender equality. We must act accordingly in crisis areas.

The Government Report of Security and Defence Policy that was prepared last spring also covers international crisis management activities. Finland's participation is being developed in cooperation with international organisations and other countries supplying troops. Next year, Finland's crisis management will continue to focus on Kosovo and Afghanistan. We are also preparing to continue supporting humanitarian work in Chad to improve the civilian population's living conditions.

Long-term crisis management work in the Balkans has increased stability and security. In Kosovo, responsibility for security can now increasingly be shifted to civilian crisis management and the region's own security authorities.

Recent events in Afghanistan have drawn more attention to the risks that also exist in the area where Finns are operating. Despite extremely challenging conditions, Finland has borne its responsibility along with the rest of the international community and has taken care of its crisis management tasks commendably.

Christmas is a celebration of peace and good will. You are spending Christmas far from your families and loved ones, and you work to bring peace and good will to as many people as possible.

I want to thank all of you for your demanding and valuable peace work during the year. I wish you and your loved ones a peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year 2010.