Peace address by President of the Republic of Finland Tarja Halonen at Bomarsund on 13 August 2006

The fate of Åland has always been tied to events in the countries of the Baltic Sea region as well as that of the world at large. In 1809, with the Treaty of Fredrikshamn, Åland along with the rest of Finland became part of the Russian Empire. The Russians immediately made plans for fortifying Åland, although construction of the fortress here at Bomarsund did not begin until twenty years later.

Construction of the fortress made Bomarsund the centre point of Åland. A new community sprang up around the fortress. Shipping began to increase, sermons in the garrison church were given in ten languages, and the various faiths had their separate cemeteries. Bomarsund, Kronstad and Sevastopol were the principal fortresses of the Russian Empire as it then was. In Sweden, it was said that “Russia holds a pistol pointed at the heart of Sweden”.

As early as in the 1830s, Britain considered Bomarsund as a threat to its economic and political interests in the Baltic Sea region. When the Crimean War broke out between Russia and Turkey over the straits of Bosporus in 1854, the then allies of Turkey — Britain and France — sent a joint fleet to the coast of Finland and Åland.

The purpose of this fleet was to cause as much mayhem and terror as possible, not to actually invade and occupy. One of the most famous battles of this period was fought at Bomarsund. It lasted eight days and ended with the attackers destroying the fortress in early September of the same year.

The Crimean War ended with the Treaty of 1856. There was a clause in this treaty specifically addressing the position of Åland. Russia was obliged to agree not to fortify or to arm Åland.

The demilitarized status of Åland was continued after Finland and the League of Nations had affirmed in 1921 that Åland was part of Finland. This affirmation involved Åland being given extensive autonomy, which was subsequently entered into Finland’s Constitution.

Obviously, demilitarization and autonomy have been a huge success for Åland. Demilitarization has added to the stability not only of Åland itself but of the Baltic Sea region as a whole. Combined with autonomy, it has guaranteed the people of Åland stable and secure conditions in which to lead their lives and build their welfare.

What, then, is the significance of demilitarization today? The easy answer is that demilitarization simply means that the Åland men do not have to undergo military service and that military ships or aircraft of Finland or any other nation are not seen in harbours or at airports in Åland. However, its impact is much more complex.

Demilitarization continues to be a major stability factor in the Baltic Sea region. All countries and organizations in the region, and farther afield too for that matter, can rely on Åland remaining demilitarized. Finland puts and will continue to put a narrow interpretation on the demilitarization provisions regarding Åland, to safeguard the welfare of the people of Åland and to promote regional stability. Speculation on this matter is not welcome.

But could the Åland model — demilitarization and autonomy — serve as an example for other regions in the world? The answer is yes and no.

The example of Åland demonstrates that demilitarization and autonomy work in practice and that they promote stability. Thus, it is an example well worth studying in seeking solutions to regional conflicts in various parts of the world. And as is well known here in Bomarsund, Åland is visited frequently, and you are active in sharing your experiences.

It is clear that each regional conflict and dispute in the world is unique. A solution that works in one location is not universally applicable to all others. Such a solution, however, can encourage parties to enter into negotiations, showing by example how a fragile truce, through cooperation, can turn into a solution that benefits everyone.

Here in Bomarsund, we have an opportunity to ask ourselves what peace really is. It is obvious to everyone today that peace is much more than just the absence of war. Peace is the possibility of living without fear. Peace enables self-determination, as an individual and as a member of a community.

The news in recent weeks has shown very clearly that peace remains a distant dream for millions of people. Far too many have to live in fear, in deprivation and under oppression.

We all know that in health care the prevention of illnesses is much more efficient and comfortable than their treatment. The same is true for wars and conflicts. Society and its structures should be geared to promote stability, peace and welfare and to prevent injustice, violence and conflicts.

Fortunately, we know the path to peace. The basic premise is the establishment of democracy, respect for human rights, the rule of law in a nation state and good international cooperation.

Elections are a cornerstone of democracy, but, of course, democracy requires a lot more, such as a civil society, open public debate, freedom of expression, and economic and social fairness. Democracy is based on the concept of all human beings being equal and the related acceptance of majority decisions.

But minorities have rights too. Respect for human rights is an unquestionable requirement democracy. Direct violations of human rights and, particularly, the incomplete achievement of minority rights lead easily to conflicts. To promote peace, it is essential that the human rights of all be safeguarded.

International cooperation can help achieve and maintain peace. The UN occupies a unique position in the promotion of international peace and security. All UN member states are committed to the UN Security Council having the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. Accordingly, the Security Council has been given considerable authority in pursuing this task.

The position of the UN in the promotion of international peace and security must be further strengthened. Both military and civil crisis management need increased support from member states, but above all we need further efforts in preventing conflicts. What this means in practice is that UN measures supporting development, such as achievement of the Millennium Goals, improving the status of women and children and helping refugees, should be enhanced.


There is a war going on in Lebanon and Israel. Once again, it is the civilians who are suffering the most. In addition to the horrors of war, Lebanon is undergoing an acute humanitarian crisis. Hundreds of thousands of Lebanese have had to flee their homes to become refugees either elsewhere in Lebanon or in neighbouring countries.

Finland and the European Union demand an immediate cessation of hostilities, a ceasefire and an agreement on the principles of a political solution. Following this, an international military force can be deployed in the region. At the same time, the EU has committed to providing humanitarian aid and to participating in the reconstruction in Lebanon.

The UN Security Council recently approved unanimously a resolution calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and authorising the sending of peacekeepers to safeguard the ceasefire. Achieving this resolution is an important step towards building peace, and all parties and the international community must immediately act accordingly.

According to the latest information, the governments of Lebanon and Israel have agreed to the ceasefire, which should come into force tomorrow morning at 7 o’clock local time.

Achieving a sustainable peace between Israel and the Palestinians remains a key issue. It is clear to see what the elements of such a peace must be: two states, secure borders and the agreement on the status of Palestinian refugees. A sustainable peace can only be achieved if the parties are committed to it. Negotiation instead of hostilities is essential. The international community can and must support the parties in this in order to achieve peace.

Even after a peace treaty is achieved, it will be a long time before peace finally takes hold in a region that has suffered so much. The civil society and women, in particular, must be involved in this process. I am sure that you here in Åland agree with me.

Finally, I would like to thank you, the people of Åland, for your active efforts for peace and, especially, for this peace festival in Bomarsund. Your work is of the utmost importance, and I wish to express my sincere respect.