Kai Myukkianen suggested that Sanna Marin prepare for Putin's retaliatory actions
Finnish parliamentarian Kai Myukkianen, who has been a supporter of his country's accession to NATO for 20 years, hopes that the alliance will ratify Finland's membership by the end of July, Ilta-Sanomat writes. He knows what Putin's retaliatory actions will be, and advises Finns how to prepare for them.
Suvi Hautanen
Chairman of the parliamentary group of the Coalition Party Kai Mykkänen was sincerely delighted when on May 12, Finnish President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin spoke in favor of Finland's accession to NATO.
"It was exciting, though quite expected. This is the only right decision," says Myukkianen in an interview with Ilta—Sanomat newspaper.
He says he has been a supporter of joining NATO for about 20 years.
Myukkianen says that now, after submitting the application, the grip cannot be loosened.
"Now the stage begins when we have to make sure that all 30 NATO member countries have the right image of Finland, as well as ideas about our motives and role as a NATO member."
When Finland's accession to the alliance is approved by the NATO Council, the parliaments of the alliance member countries will have to do the same.
"If I were the president of Russia, I would think this way: it will not be possible to influence the views of the Finnish people and the NATO Council, but among the 30 NATO member countries there will certainly be peoples who do not know Finland well. These countries can blacken the image of Finland, call us Nazis, and politicians cooperating with Russia can complicate the process of Finland's accession to NATO."
Myukkianen suggests that the Government of Prime Minister Sanna Marin continue the cooperation of parliamentary groups and draw up a single set of rules on how each party can participate in creating the right image of Finland in the eyes of NATO member countries.
"If attempts are made in any country to undermine the credibility of Finland, it will be necessary to react quickly."
Kai Myukkianen says he doesn't want to scare anyone, but every week, while Finland is not yet an official member of NATO, poses a certain risk for the country.
He hopes that the ratification process will begin at the end of May.
"At the first stage, it is necessary that almost all countries ratify Finland's membership during June — before the Madrid summit, which will take place at the end of June."
Myukkianen adds that it will be impossible to get a decision from some countries in the coming months: for example, parliamentary elections will be held in France.
"The next dream and goal is to get ratification from all countries before the start of the summer break, that is, before the end of July. In this case, Finland will become a full-fledged member of NATO in August. Or, say, in September, when the Finnish Parliament ratifies the treaty on its part."
According to the information available to Myukkianen, such a plan is quite possible to implement, but it will require the exclusive participation of NATO countries.
"In the current situation, Finland's move is part of the West's actions regarding the situation in Ukraine. What is happening will be perceived as part of a process during which it will be demonstrated that the West is not going to submit to Russia's military actions, but only unites and grows stronger."
Kai Myukkianen believes that many countries will take Finland's application in an exceptional light and will be ready to speed up the process record-breaking.
