Address by President of the Republic Tarja Halonen at the 50th anniversary celebration of Finnish Peacekeeping in Tampere, 4 December 2006

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The first Finnish peacekeepers were dispatched on a United Nations peacekeeping mission to the Sinai 50 years ago. The decision to participate in that operation was highly significant for Finland’s foreign policy. It was taken only one year after Finland had been accepted as a member of the United Nations. Taking an active role in resolving an international crisis was something quite new in Finnish foreign policy.

As a new member of the United Nations, Finland was eager to contribute, and our neutrality was in accord with peacekeeping activities, through which we could pursue an active neutrality policy, promote the peaceful resolution of conflicts, and gain influence in international relations.

Over the years, we have gathered a wealth of experience, and tens of thousands of Finnish peacekeepers have proven their competence around the world. Their diverse education and professional skills together with the high level of military training have helped make the Finnish contingents very capable operatives in crisis zones. We have always highlighted the importance of local and international cooperation.

Membership of the European Union has increased Finland’s global responsibility. We are actively involved in developing the crisis management capability of the EU. The decisions on this were taken at the European Council in Helsinki during Finland’s previous Presidency in 1999. In a few short years, the required structures have been built up in the context of the common security and defence policy, and successful operations have already been carried out.

Modern crisis management is a holistic concept. It is a form of international cooperation that involves crisis prevention and social reconstruction, in addition to actual crisis management.

The European Union is a unique international actor with its comprehensive range of instruments. These include development cooperation, trade, diplomacy, and support to the promotion democracy and the rule of law as well as, of course, civilian and military crisis management.

During the current Finnish Presidency, the EU battle groups will achieve full readiness. From the beginning of next year, the EU will always have two battle groups on a tour of duty for six months at a time. These troops can be used for performing crisis management duties under the common security and defence policy and the security strategy of the EU. A rapid response is always important, but our experiences have shown that long-term commitment to crisis management is at least as important.

Finland has participated in nearly all EU operations. Even as we speak, over 900 Finnish peacekeepers are deployed in eleven military crisis management operations led by the United Nations, the EU and NATO in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Finland is joining with Germany and the Netherlands in a battle group that has a tour of duty in the first half of 2007, and with Sweden, Norway, Estonia and Ireland in another battle group in the first half of 2008.

In the Suez operation and in other operations during the Cold War, peacekeeping operations were undertaken with the consent of the parties to the crisis, and the only military action ever taken was self-defence. Today, crisis management operations are increasingly demanding. The failure to prevent genocide in the western Balkans and in Rwanda and serious violations of human rights have led the international community to pledge its support to the principle of Responsibility to Protect. This calls for the protection of civilians in cases where their government cannot or does not want to protect its own citizens.

In order to carry such operations out successfully, we need well-trained and well-equipped troops that can be called up at a moment’s notice. It is just as important to have an efficient infrastructure in civil crisis management, including the police and experts in the rule of law, human rights and governance. Also, regional organizations must be supported so that they can better resolve crises in their own regions. Women and children often face the worst suffering in conflicts, and peacekeeping operations have not always been able to prevent violence against them. A sustainable peace cannot be achieved without the greater involvement of women in peacebuilding at all levels.

Participating in the prevention, management and aftercare of international crises is important for Finland. We want to help people hit by war and conflict to achieve peace and wellbeing. Participating in cooperation gives us valuable knowledge and experience with which to develop our national defence. Stability in the international system also contributes to our own security and wellbeing, since in today’s world crises no longer observe national borders. This is also the reason why responsibility must be shared globally in a variety of ways.

Now, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Finnish peacekeeping, we can be proud of our achievements. Participation in modern crisis management is a challenge and not without its risks. The right attitude, good training and good equipment help reduce those risks.

Over the past decades, 46 Finns have lost their lives in peacekeeping operations. I would like to take this opportunity to honour their memory and at the same time to thank all those Finnish volunteers who have contributed to international peace and security.