PM: No Effect on Russian Relations from Custody Case

Anton, aged five, was brought to Finland with his Finnish father in the car of a Finnish consular official in St. Petersburg. About a year earlier, boy had been taken to Russia by his Russian mother.

Vanhanen says that he heard about the case on the evening that it happened. It was only after the fact that he learned that a Finnish consular official was involved.

“These are very emotional questions. Everybody understands that both the father and mother have strong emotions toward their child,” Vanhanen says.

Halonen: Options Were Considered

President Tarja Halonen also heard about the incident after the fact. She says that the move that was ultimately made was not among the options that were considered when father and son were at the consulate.

She added that officials would have clearer guidelines if Russia were to join the international treaty against child abduction.