Finland to extend closure of border with Russia for month - official

HELSINKI. Jan 11 (Interfax) - Finland's eastern border will remain closed for another month, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Sari Essayah, who is also the Finnish Christian Democratic Party's presidential candidate, said.

Essayah said at an election debate on the Yle broadcaster's website on Wednesday evening that she could confirm the information that was reported in the media. Finland has enough information to make this decision, she said, when asked about the reasons for extending the border closure.

Finnish media said the day before, citing government sources, that the government plans to extend the closure of its border with Russia for another month.

The government will hold its weekly meeting on Thursday, Yle said. However, the decision on the border was not on the agenda circulated ahead of the meeting. This issue may still be added to the agenda, and it is not ruled out that this decision may be adopted on Friday.

The Finnish government in November 2023 decided to close all eight passenger crossing points on the country's eastern border, accusing Russia of orchestrating the inflow of migrants from third countries to the Finnish border.

Two border crossings were reopened on December 12, but the Finnish government again closed them for a month on December 14, citing "security reasons".

The border closure had been set to end on Sunday, January 14.