Finland keeps Syrian embassy open
Finland’s embassy in Syria is to remain operational for the time being, but the staff may have to leave if the security situation deteriorates. Unrest in the capital has already caused the Foreign Ministry to send some employees to neighbouring countries.
The ambassador is staying in Damascus, but plans have been put in place to evacuate staff if necessary. One diplomat has been on a work trip since January, and has continued his duties outside of Syria because of the precarious situation.
Consular staff handling visa applications moved to the embassy in the Turkish capital Ankara last month, and the ministry has considered closing the Damascus embassy altogether.
Any such decision would be based on the security situation rather than any political considerations, according to Helena Tuuri of the Foreign Ministry’s Middle East and North Africa desk.
”The Syrian opposition has hoped that embassies stay in the country as eyes and ears,” said Tuuri. ”Keeping the embassy open is not supporting the regime.”
The United States has announced that it will close its embassy in Damascus because of security concerns.
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