The Finnish government could partially open its border with Russia after passing a law on the expulsion of asylum seekers. This was announced by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in an interview with Yle Radio Suomi.
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According to him, since the beginning of March there has been no increase in illegal border crossings, but from the Russian side, according to the Finnish side, “thousands of people” want to cross into Finnish territory.
According to Petteri Orpo, the Finnish authorities want to normalize the situation, but everything depends on Russia.
“We could try to start with a border point. And if cooperation is established on both sides of the border, it will be possible to open others,” said Petteri Orpo.
The “refoulement” bill prepared by the Finnish Ministry of the Interior suggests that refugees arriving from Russia will be placed in special centers at or near the border until their asylum application is processed. Those who are denied asylum will be deported. Parliament will consider the initiative at the end of May 2024.
For the first time, restrictions at checkpoints began to take effect at the initiative of the Finnish side in November 2023. In April 2024, Finland confirmed the indefinite closure of its border with Russia.
Author:
Karina Pardaeva
Source: RB
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