Finnish MEP Aura Salla criticizes government’s Israel policy, calls for arms embargo and sanctions

By admin On Aug 11, 2024

Aura Salla, member of the National Coalition Party (Kokoomus).

In a rare move for a member of the National Coalition Party (Kokoomus), Finnish MEP Aura Salla has publicly condemned the Finnish government’s stance on Israel, accusing it of moral inconsistency. “We are being highly hypocritical by purchasing weapons from a country engaged in war and committing what I believe is genocide,” Salla stated in a recent interview with Helsingin Sanomat.

Salla’s comments come at a time of heightened tension and violence in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

The European Union, while calling for de-escalation, has historically been divided on how to address Israel’s actions, especially regarding settlements in occupied Palestinian territories. Salla is urging Finland to take a stronger stand by halting arms sales to Israel and pushing for EU-wide sanctions.

Historical Context of Finland-Israel Arms Trade

Finland’s arms trade with Israel has been significant in recent years. Notably, in 2022, the Finnish Defense Forces announced the purchase of the David’s Sling missile defense system from Israel, a deal that was lauded by Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen. This system, designed for high-altitude missile interception, represents one of several key defense acquisitions from Israel in recent years.

Despite the escalating violence in Gaza, Häkkänen confirmed in October 2023 that these deals would proceed as planned, a decision that has drawn criticism from various quarters, including within his own party.

Salla’s Criticism and Call for Action

Salla’s stance sharply contrasts with the more measured approach of her colleagues in government. “We cannot stand by while innocent civilians are being bombed under the pretext of fighting Hamas,” she said. “There are massive numbers of women and children being killed.”

Salla has been vocal on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where she has called for the international community to impose sanctions on Israel. “Israel understands money,” she argued, “and we need to hit them where it hurts.”

She acknowledges the complexity of the situation, including the role of Hamas, which she condemns as a terrorist organization. However, she argues that Israel’s policies over decades have prevented Palestinians from building a functional society. “What’s happening now is genocide,” she stated bluntly.

Finland’s Position on Palestine Recognition

Salla also criticized Finland’s reluctance to recognize Palestine as a state, a step she believes would send a strong message. “Finland should have recognized the state of Palestine long ago,” she said.

This view is not shared by Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, who stated in May 2024 that it was not the right time for such recognition, arguing that it might not contribute to achieving a ceasefire. Valtonen’s stance reflects a broader hesitance within the EU, where only nine of the 27 member states have recognized Palestinian statehood.

Salla emphasized that her comments reflect her personal views as an MEP and not the official position of Finland or her party. Nevertheless, her outspoken criticism highlights growing divisions within Finland—and potentially within the EU—over how to respond to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.

As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, calls like Salla’s for a reevaluation of arms trade and more assertive diplomatic measures are likely to become more pronounced, testing the Finnish government’s commitment to both its defense partnerships and its human rights principles.

Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi