Eastern overland cargo transportation is virtually suspended.
“They sent it on purpose”… Russia dismisses and responds with warning
Reporter Shin Jeong-won = Finland closed four border checkpoints with Russia on the 16th (local time).
According to the BBC and TASS, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orfo announced on this day, “We will close four checkpoints on the eastern border with Russia from midnight on the 17th until February 18th next year.”
However, the two northern borders were decided to remain open for asylum applications.
The RIA Novosti news agency reported that with this measure, eastern overland cargo transportation with Russia will also virtually be halted. Finland explained that there was almost no cargo transportation taking place at other checkpoints in the eastern border area and that “cargo transportation along the eastern border will virtually cease from the 18th.”
This measure is in response to a rapid increase in the number of illegal immigration applicants coming from Russia. Finland believes that Russia is intentionally aiding their illegal immigration.
Prime Minister Orpo said, “We need to respond resolutely to the recent increase in the number of third-country citizens entering the eastern border.” He said, “280 people applied for asylum this fall alone,” and “(the surge in illegal immigration) poses a serious threat to public order and national security.”
He added, “They are receiving help. “It is clear that the (Russian) border guards are escorting or transporting them to the border,” he claimed.
In response to this, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Yevgeny Ivanov told the TASS news agency, “Finland’s accusation is very strange. “We will investigate the truth,” he said, dismissing suspicions that immigrants were being sent on purpose. Russia also warned of corresponding retaliatory measures.
Finland shares a 1,340 km border with Russia. It is the longest in Europe. There are nine border checkpoints.
In addition, Norway also announced that it would consider closing its border with Russia if necessary.
Norway’s Ministry of Justice said there has not yet been a surge in immigration, but “we are closely monitoring the situation.” “If necessary, we may close the border soon,” he said, according to the Tass news agency.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.