Ambassador of Finland to Tanzania, opinions here my own. Previously in 🇪🇺 🇺🇬 🇿🇦 🇹🇳
Helsinki, Suomi
Joined January 2013
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Is the X exodus still largely a US & European thing? I want to leave X but afraid I’d miss the discussion especially in Africa, also on issues not in global media. I hope a real alternative for X comes soon. Trying out Bluesky and set up an account: (at)annamerrifield.bsky.social
X users jump to Bluesky - but what is it and who owns it? bbc.in/40NQJ40
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Anna Merrifield retweeted
Russia’s expanding influence in Africa carries a darker side: armed pressure, exploitation, and forced recruitment.
Anna Merrifield retweeted
Great meeting in Helsinki with @alexstubb, President of Finland.
In a world in flux, Finland is choosing to use its voice to back peace, stability, human rights and diplomacy.
Kiitos johtajuudestasi!
Anna Merrifield retweeted
Millions in Gaza depend on humanitarian aid.
The EU joins international donors in urging safe, sustained, and unhindered access for relief operations.
Read the joint statement: europa.eu/!CVNb6v
Anna Merrifield retweeted
The suffering of civilians in Gaza must end.
Finland calls on Israel to assume its responsibilities under international law and to ensure access for humanitarian aid. The UN and humanitarian aid organizations must be allowed to operate fully and impartially. Humanitarian aid must not be politicised. Forced displacement of populations is a war crime and cannot form part of any solution.
We call on Hamas to release hostages and encourage the parties to return to the ceasefire.
Israel's security must be guaranteed in accordance with international law. Peace negotiations must be started immediately on the basis of a two-state solution.
Anna Merrifield retweeted
Incredibly powerful investigation in Dutch newspaper NRC: Seven of the world’s leading genocide scholars — including renowned Holocaust experts — describe Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocidal.
And according to them, nearly all of their peers agree.
Anna Merrifield retweeted
New pope breaks with Francis to support Kyiv and ceasefire push on.ft.com/3Sv51kL
🇫🇮 Finland’s Foreign Minister on Gaza
The war in the Middle East, now in its 19th month, has caused immense human suffering. In Gaza, over 52,000 people have been killed, the majority of them civilians, including more than 15,000 children. There is not a single child in Gaza who can live without fear.
Yesterday, nearly 50 people were reported killed in Israeli strikes on schools that were sheltering those who had fled their homes. At least seven of the victims were children. The situation is untenable.
For over two months, Israel has blocked all humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza. According to the United Nations, the blockade has led to a rapid deterioration of the humanitarian situation. Only one-quarter of Gaza’s food needs are currently being met.
We urge Israel to immediately lift the blockade. Humanitarian aid must never be politicized. International humanitarian law prohibits the use of aid as a tool of warfare.
Israel’s plans to expand military operations in Gaza are deeply concerning. A further escalation would worsen the already catastrophic conditions for civilians and endanger the lives of hostages still held in Gaza.
Statements suggesting the forced displacement of Gaza’s population are unacceptable. Gaza is an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territories and belongs to the Palestinian people. Forced displacement violates international law and constitutes a war crime.
Finland has repeatedly called on all parties to respect the ceasefire, to immediately release the hostages, and to ensure unrestricted access for humanitarian aid. Finland remains in contact with Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and other countries in the region in an effort to help resolve the crisis. Today and tomorrow, we will seek solutions to end civilian suffering at the EU’s informal meeting of foreign ministers.
Anna Merrifield retweeted
Lähi-idässä jo 19 kuukautta jatkunut sota on aiheuttanut valtavaa inhimillistä kärsimystä. Gazassa on menehtynyt yli 52 000 ihmistä, joista suurin osa on siviilejä ja yli 15 000 lapsia. Gazassa ei ole yhtäkään lasta, joka voisi elää ilman pelkoa.
Eilen Israelin iskuissa kodeistaan paenneiden suojana toimineisiin kouluihin on raportoitu kuolleen lähes 50 ihmistä, joista ainakin seitsemän oli lapsia. Tilanne on kestämätön.
Israel on estänyt kaikki humanitaarisen avun kuljetukset Gazaan yli kahden kuukauden ajan. YK raportoi alueen humanitaarisen tilanteen nopeasta heikkenemisestä saarron seurauksena. Vain neljäsosa Gazan ruokatarpeesta on saatu katettua.
Vaadimme Israelia lopettamaan saarron välittömästi. Humanitaarista apua ei tule koskaan politisoida. Kansainvälinen humanitaarinen oikeus kieltää avun käyttämisen sodankäynnin välineenä.
Israelin suunnitelmat sotatoimien laajentamisesta Gazassa ovat huolestuttavia. Vielä laajempi sotilaallinen eskalaatio pahentaisi siviiliväestön jo ennestään katastrofaalista tilannetta ja vaarantaisi Gazassa edelleen olevien panttivankien hengen.
Lausunnot Gazan väestön pakkosiirroista pois alueelta eivät ole hyväksyttäviä. Gaza on kiinteä osa miehitettyä Palestiinalaisaluetta ja kuuluu palestiinalaisille. Väestön pakkosiirrot ovat kansainvälisen oikeuden vastaisia ja luokiteltavissa sotarikokseksi.
Suomi on toistuvasti vedonnut osapuoliin tulitauon kunnioittamisen, panttivankien välittömän vapauttamisen ja humanitaarisen avun esteettömään pääsyyn puolesta. Suomi pitää yhteyttä Israeliin ja Palestiinalaishallintoon sekä alueen muihin maihin, ja pyrkii tätä kautta vaikuttamaan tilanteen ratkaisemiseksi. Haemme tänään ja huomenna EU:n epävirallisessa ulkoministerikokouksessa ratkaisuja siviilien kärsimyksen lopettamiseksi.
Anna Merrifield retweeted
We Finns know Russia. Finland, a neighbouring country to Russia, consistently remained an independent democracy through the Second World War and the Cold War.
Take it from us: Putin has no intention to stop his expansionist pursuit. He will enter talks, enjoy the limelight, and take whatever he possibly can without making any genuine concessions.
Russia must be kept at bay and within its own borders with credible economic and military pressure. That is what ’peace through strength’ is all about.
Ukraine and Europe deserve to live in peace. There is no panacea. An isolated quick fix leads to more trouble down the line - also to the US.
So far Russia has shown no interest in peace. Ahead of any talks, Russia could signal goodwill by, for instance, returning forcibly relocated Ukrainian children back to their parents.
Lasting peace needs a comprehensive plan for the years to come. A negotiated settlement should encompass a process, ensuring Ukraine’s and Europe’s security, including containment of the multi-domain threat Russia is posing.
This process could also manage a gradual and conditional easing of sanctions pressure. It can’t be a one-off deal.
This is the time for Europe. Europe is stepping up: committing even more to security and further increasing defence spending. And no matter what, Europe will be at the tables deciding about Europe. It’s our people, our values, our future.
But defending the free world takes the US, too. This space is closely being watched also in the Indo-Pacific. A secure and stable Europe is in America's interest and going forward, the US will need strong allies.
Anna Merrifield retweeted
Muovisopimuksen neuvottelut ovat loppusuoralla Busanissa. Puheenjohtaja on julkaissut uuden ehdotuksensa sopimustekstiksi. Osapuolten konsultaatiot alkavat lauantaina, pääneuvottelija Tuulia Toikka kertoo. Kuva: UNEP.
UNEP: In-session documents | UNEP - UN Environment Programme
ALT Kuva: YK:n ympäristöohjelma UNEP
Anna Merrifield retweeted
Today is #CircularMonday, a day dedicated to reminding us to be mindful of our consumption habits during the busiest shopping season. 💡
Let's remember that we don't need to own everything. When purchasing something new, consider checking if there is a circular alternative. 🙌
Anna Merrifield retweeted
Factcheck: 21 misleading myths about electric vehicles | @DrSimEvans #CBarchive
Read here: buff.ly/4hEOOoz
ALT Lifecycle tonnes of CO2 (y-axis) per thousand miles of driving in the UK (x-axis) for a new Tesla Model Y (red) versus a new combustion-engine petrol car with EU-average fuel efficiency (grey). Source: Carbon Brief analysis. Chart by Carbon Brief using Datawrapper.
Anna Merrifield retweeted
COP29 agrees deal to kick-start global carbon credit trading reut.rs/3CHmceo
Anna Merrifield retweeted
NEW – Analysis: China’s emissions have now caused more global warming than EU | @DrSimEvans @VernerViisas
Read here: buff.ly/4hQ131z
Anna Merrifield retweeted
At #COP29, the Nordic ministers for climate and the environment emphasized a united voice in international negotiations. They stressed the need for a global plastic waste agreement. Read more: norden.org/en/news/ministers…
Anna Merrifield retweeted
Breaking news: The severing of an undersea communications cable between Germany and Finland is likely to have been an act of sabotage, Germany’s defence minister has said. on.ft.com/3AN9BWp
Anna Merrifield retweeted
For a 1000 days Ukrainians have been forced to defend their independence, sovereignty and territory facing Russia’s war of aggression.
The heroic Ukrainians need our steadfast support.
Ukraine needs a just and sustainable peace.
Slava Ukraini! 🇫🇮 🇺🇦
#StandWithUkraine
Anna Merrifield retweeted
As the Sudanese people face mass murder, rape, and starvation, Russia stands alone in vetoing a UN Security Council call for a ceasefire. Even China had supported the resolution. trib.al/oWXIhHr