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NATO military exercise in Finnish coastal waters

Helsinki Evening News | 31.10.2002 22:10

The British vessel HMS Dumbarton Castle takes part
in the exercise as a lead ship.

NATO military exercise in Finnish coastal waters

On Friday starts a naval military exercise in Finland
where NATO seems to be in charge. Officially ofcourse,
it is understood that Finland is in charge.

This would mean that commander Taisto Vanhanen
is in charge. But the NATO lead force is headed
by commander A.P.F Cassar from the British Navy.

Naval vessels for minewarfare take part from
six different NATO-countries.

The British vessel HMS Dumbarton Castle takes part
in the exercise as a lead ship.

There is a broad distrust towards NATO in Finland.
According to the Finnish people approximately 70 %
reject the idea of becoming a member in NATO.

This exercise must certainly be viewed as a provocation
against the people of the sovereign country of Finland.
The Royal Navy and the NATO are not welcomed
to any military maneuvers in Finnish waters.
This is a serious breach against the integrity of a country
that officially claims to be a non-allied country.

Helsinki Evening News