According to leaked diplomatic cables obtained by YLE, the National Coalition Party promised to lead Finland into Nato membership if it won the upcoming Parliamentary elections in April.
Katainen said that the party’s position on Nato is unambiguous: Nato membership would be a boon to Finland’s national security and would enhance its geo-political status.
“Realising this requires broad political consensus, consensus among the four largest political parties and support from the Finnish people,” Katainen added, referring to rising support for the True Finns in recent political polls.
However Katainen admitted that it didn’t seem likely that such consensus would be possible during the next electoral term. As such, he doesn’t see Finland becoming a Nato member during the next 6 – 8 years.
The National Coalition Party chair preferred not to comment on the reliability of the diplomatic reports provided via Wikileaks. He noted, however, that the media should be cautious about attributing statements to individuals.
Katainen also felt that the leaks were more problematic for the US than for Finland.
More on this subject:
Wikileaks: Halonen's Sharp Words With Russian Leaders
Wikileaks: US Embassy Urged Finland To Join NATO
Cables Show Close US-Finnish Contacts
