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Russia ready to work toward removing Finland’s border security concerns — diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, it was earlier indicated to Finnish ambassador to Russia that Helsinki’s move violated the rights and interests of both Russian and Finnish citizens

MOSCOW, November 22. /TASS/. Moscow is ready to work with Helsinki toward addressing Finland’s concerns over the situation on the border, said Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.

"[Finland] should have instructed its Border Guard to hold talks with the Russian border service and put all Finnish concerns or claims on the table in order to work out a mutually acceptable solution or get explanations," Zakharova told Sputnik Radio.

"We are ready for this work," the Russian diplomat added.

According to Zakharova, it was indicated to Finnish Ambassador to Russia Antti Helantera who had been summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry on Monday that Helsinki’s move violated the rights and interests of both Russian and Finnish citizens.

In the early morning hours of November 18, Finland closed four checkpoints on its eastern border: Vaalimaa, Nuijamaa, Imatra and Niirala. According to Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, the authorities are responding to the recent increase in the number of "third-country nationals" arriving at Finland’s eastern border. Per Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantanen, the decision will remain in effect until February 18, 2024.

The Helsingin Sanomat newspaper reported earlier that the Finnish government was ready to fully shutter its border with Russia as early as on Tuesday, at least for asylum seekers. On November 20, Iltalehti said, citing sources, that Finland was planning to close the entire border with Russia on Tuesday night.

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Foreign policy Finland Maria Zakharova

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