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Restrictions at two border crossing checkpoints between Russia and Finland come into force

Border crossing in the abovementioned entry points is authorized only for citizens of Russia, Belarus and Finland, and their family members irrespective of the nationality

© Photo ITAR-TASS/ Yelena Nagornykh, File

MOSCOW, April 10. /TASS/. Temporary restrictions at two crossing points on the border between Russia and Finland become effective this Sunday, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on the same day.

According to the agreement reached between two countries, "the Russian Government consents… to introduce temporary restriction of movement in Salla-Salla and Lotta-Raja-Jooseppi crossing points of the Russian-Finnish state border," the Ministry says. Border crossing in the abovementioned entry points is authorized only for citizens of Russia, Belarus and Finland, and their family members irrespective of the nationality, the Ministry reports.

"The parties admit when executing the agreement that such a temporary restriction is introduced for 180 days, is a one-off step and cannot be regarded as a precedent," the Russian Foreign Ministry adds.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and President of Finland Sauli Niinist·agreed to introduce temporary restrictions on the border between two countries on March 22.

About 32,500 refugees came to Finland last year, largely from Iraq. The Russian-Finnish border has recently turned into the main route used by refugees to get to Finland.

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