Latest news with #Finnish
See - Sada Elbalad
an hour ago
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Finland Approves Withdrawal from Anti-Personnel Landmine Treaty
Israa Farhan Finland's parliament has voted in favor of withdrawing from the international treaty banning the use of anti-personnel landmines, aligning the country with several of its NATO neighbors amid growing security concerns in the region. The decision, passed on Thursday with 157 votes in favour and only 8 against, will officially take effect six months after Finland formally notifies the United Nations. The move signals a significant shift in defense policy as Finland reconsiders its military strategies in response to heightened regional tensions. Several of Finland's NATO allies, including the Baltic states—Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia—as well as Poland, have already withdrawn from the treaty. The Finnish Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee had approved the proposal earlier in April, paving the way for the vote. The Finnish military has argued that maintaining the option to use anti-personnel mines is essential for national defense. This perspective has gained traction in recent years as the security environment in Northern and Eastern Europe has evolved rapidly. The treaty, formally known as the Ottawa Convention, came into force in March 1999. It prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines. Finland joined the treaty in 2012 but had maintained reservations about its limitations in military defiance scenarios. Major global powers, including the United States, Russia, China, India, and Pakistan, have never signed the treaty, citing security and strategic concerns. Finland's decision to withdraw places it in closer alignment with NATO's evolving defense posture, particularly along its eastern flank, as the alliance continues to adapt to rising geopolitical challenges. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean News 3 Killed in Shooting Attack in Thailand
Time Out
10 hours ago
- Time Out
7 best outdoor adventure parks near Tokyo
Named after the Finnish word for forest, Metsä Village is a large Nordic-themed park in Saitama prefecture. The free-entry park provides a calm, stress-free environment on the shore of Lake Miyazawa, with a thick, lush forest just across the water. Parents can relax at a café or shop for genuine Nordic homewares. For something a little more active, hire a canoe and paddle around the lake. And for the kids, there's the Panza Lake Miyazawa – an adventure playground with a difference. Up in the trees, thick woven nets are stretched out to create undulating platforms for kids to run, jump and walk on. These so-called 'funmocks' – that's a disconcerting blend of 'fun' and 'hammock' – turn into walls, floors, slides and tunnels. It's an ingenious play park in the sky, and they won't want to come down.
Qatar Tribune
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Finland joins several of its NATO neighbours in exiting landmine treaty
CopenhagencTypeface:> Finland is to follow several of its NATO neighbours and exit the Ottawa Treaty banning the use of anti-personnel landmines, following a vote in the Helsinki parliament on Thursday, state broadcaster Yle reported. The measure was passed by 157 to eight votes and will go into force six months after formal Finnish notification to the UN. Baltic republics Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia have already taken similar decisions, as has Poland. The Finnish government had announced the move in April following approval by the parliamentary foreign affairs committee. The Finnish military takes the view that it needs landmines to defend the country. The Ottawa Treaty went into effect in March 1999, banning the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of landmines. Finland signed up in 2012. The United States, Russia, China, India and Pakistan have not signed. (DPA)
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Finland becomes 5th European nation to exit Ottawa landmine treaty — here's why it matters
Finland is leaving the Ottawa Treaty, which bans anti- personnel land mines, becoming the fifth European country to do so. The Finnish Parliament approved this decision on Thursday by a vote of 157 in favor and 18 against. The Parliament also approved the government's bill for withdrawal by a vote of 155 to 18, as per the report by Helsingin Sanomat. Some members voted against leaving the treaty, left Alliance reps, seven Greens, and Eva Biaudet from the ruling party RKP. Nine members of the Social Democratic Party were absent during the vote. Four National Coalition Party members and three Finns Party members were also absent. SDP had internal problems about withdrawing from the treaty. Seven SDP MPs wanted to vote against withdrawal but were denied permission by their party group, according to the report by Helsingin Sanomat. This likely explains why many SDP members were absent from the vote. Johan Kvarnstrom said before the vote that he would not support bringing back anti-personnel mines. Anna-Kristiina Mikkonen said she missed the vote because of travel restrictions late in her pregnancy but would have voted to withdraw. Suna Kymalainen said she supports withdrawal but could not attend the vote. Eemeli Peltonen would have supported withdrawal but was on sick leave. Elisa Gebhard was present earlier in the day but left to see a doctor and later got sick leave, so she missed the vote, as stated by Helsingin Sanomat. Elisa Gebhard said she can show her sick leave certificate if needed. SDP parliamentary group chair Tytti Tuppurainen said she will check reasons for absences but did not comment on any punishments. Tuppurainen said the SDP group is in good spirits and that the vote shows SDP cares about Finnish safety in all situations. Live Events The Finnish government announced in April it would prepare to leave the treaty, mainly because of Russia's actions. Minister of Defense Antti Hakkanen said anti-personnel mines are a defensive weapon. Hakkanen explained Russia uses mines heavily to defend territory and attack, and mines fit well with Finland's rugged terrain, according to the report by Helsingin Sanomat. Security threats for treaty exit Finland joined the Ottawa Treaty in late 2011, and it became effective in 2012. Finland joined the treaty much later than most EU countries, since the treaty was signed in 1997. Finnish MPs voted on Thursday to approve withdrawal to resume using anti-personnel landmines, as stated by yle report. The vote was 157 in favor, 18 against, and 24 absent. Those against included 10 Left Alliance MPs, 7 Greens MPs, and 1 from the Swedish People's Party. The Finnish government sent the withdrawal proposal to Parliament late last month and said they were preparing for it since spring. Finland's next plan The next steps are, the President of Finland will confirm the decision, and Finland will notify the UN Secretary-General. The treaty bans use, making, stockpiling, transferring, and requires destroying anti-personnel mines. In 2012, Finland was the last EU member to join the treaty, as stated by yle report. Earlier this spring, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland also announced leaving the treaty. Last week, Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee supported withdrawing, saying Finland needs to rethink treaty limits that could weaken its defense amid tougher security. The Committee's chairman said Finland must still prove it supports international rules by concrete actions. The committee also suggested Finland keep supporting humanitarian efforts like clearing mines in crisis areas. On Thursday, MPs also approved the Foreign Affairs Committee's statement, according to the report by yle. FAQs Q1. Why did Finland leave the Ottawa Treaty? To strengthen its defense against rising threats, especially from Russia. Q2. What does the Ottawa Treaty ban ? It bans using, making, storing, and moving anti-personnel landmines. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
RINA acquires Foreship, bolstering marine consulting services
RINA, an engineering consultancy, has announced the acquisition of Foreship, a Finnish naval architecture and marine engineering firm. This strategic move is set to enhance RINA's marine engineering consulting services and reinforce its presence in Northern Europe. Headquartered in Helsinki, Foreship reported revenues of €15.2m (approximately $16m) in 2024 and boasts a workforce of more than 90 professionals across eight international offices, including the US, UK, and Estonia. The company is acclaimed for its expertise in cruise ship design, vessel energy efficiency, and sustainable marine technologies. RINA general manager and CEO Carlo Luzzatto said: 'We are proud to welcome into our group a company that shares our core values of independence, innovation, and engineering excellence. This acquisition aligns with our strategic plan to become an increasingly essential reference point for our clients, supporting them with our broad-based knowledge. 'Foreship's solid reputation and global customer base, including major cruise lines and shipping companies, make it a natural fit for our fast-growing marine consulting business. Foreship reputation as a trusted independent advisor is seen as a core asset that RINA aims to preserve and enhance.' The integration of Foreship's unique naval architecture capabilities is expected to create significant synergies within RINA Consulting. It will also provide opportunities to expand RINA's market share in maritime consultancy, particularly in areas such as complex retrofits, new fuel integrations, and digital transformation. Foreship will operate within the framework of RINA Consulting, adhering to RINA's governance and organisational model. Foreship CEO Lauri Haavisto said: 'Foreship's vision is to lead in sustainable passenger ship conversions, new builds, and consultancy. Joining forces with a global partner like RINA will accelerate our growth, expand our knowledge, and strengthen our client relationships, while continuing to foster the close collaboration we value.' RINA's acquisition was facilitated by Lazard, which served as the financial advisor. Bain & Company provided support in commercial due diligence, while PwC assisted with financial and tax due diligence. Legal counsel for the transaction was provided by Borenius Attorneys. In April, RINA, along with Eni and Fincantieri, introduced a new study titled 'Sustainable Maritime Transport Outlook,' which aims to guide the decarbonisation of the maritime transport sector. Prepared with technical support from Bain & Company Italy, the study offers a comprehensive analysis of the pathways, impacts, and investments necessary to achieve carbon neutrality in the maritime industry by 2050. "RINA acquires Foreship, bolstering marine consulting services" was originally created and published by Ship Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
