HELSINKI Thursday, May 16, 2024 (WAFA) – The Palestinian Ambassador to Finland and the Baltic States, Tayseer al-Ajouri, submitted an official protest to the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding Finland’s recent abstention from voting during the United Nations General Assembly’s vote on Palestine’s application for full membership.

Al-Ajouri delivered the official protest during his meeting with the Director-General of the Asia and Africa Department at the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sofie From-Emmesberger.

The Palestinian Ambassador to Finland said that Finland’s abstention from voting does not reflect its role as a leading country in defending international law and human rights and its adherence to the firm position regarding the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.

The Ambassador affirmed that this position conflicts with Finland’s position towards the two-state solution, calling on the Finnish side to take a practical step to recognize the State of Palestine.

For her part, Emmesberger confirmed that Finnish President Alexander Stubb had announced that Finland abstained from voting because the decision in the UN General Assembly was merely symbolic, noting that Finland was awaiting practical steps that would support the membership of the State of Palestine at the UN.

 She also confirmed Finland's unwavering position towards the two-state solution.

A.D./T.R.