Sun Sep 15 15:02:17 UTC 2024: ## Finland’s PM: Not the Right Time to Recognize Palestine, But Support for Ukraine Unwavering

**Helsinki, Finland** – Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has stated that while he believes recognizing Palestine as a state could be significant, the time is not yet right. This comes as several European countries, including neighboring Sweden and Norway, have already granted recognition.

Speaking on Yle’s Radio Suomi, Orpo acknowledged that recognition could be important, but he emphasized that the current situation is not conducive to such a decision. He added that he agrees with former President Alexander Stubb’s view that recognition is inevitable, but believes doing so now would be perceived as rewarding Hamas for its terrorist activities.

On other matters, Prime Minister Orpo reiterated his unwavering support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. He emphasized the need for a strong response to Russia’s actions, including potentially allowing Ukraine to use donated weapons on Russian territory.

Domestically, Orpo voiced his support for recent parliamentary decisions to cut funding for the state-owned Finnish Broadcasting Company (Yle), stating that the legislature, not the government, is responsible for overseeing the public broadcaster. He also expressed his backing for a ban on conversion therapy, calling it “completely against human nature.”

The Prime Minister’s interview hour, a recurring event where he addresses pressing issues, was held at his official residence in Meilahti. Meanwhile, President Alexander Stubb is set to deliver a joint Nordic statement at a UN Security Council meeting and attend a reception hosted by outgoing US President Joe Biden.

In a separate development, Prime Minister Orpo and Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen have expressed their satisfaction with Sweden’s commitment to take responsibility for a multinational forward land force (FLF) in Finland.

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