If necessary, the Finnish border Lappeenranta will be ready to offer its airport to NATO forces
The Finnish border town of Lappeenranta intends to get as much benefit as possible from the country's membership in NATO, Yle reports. The possibility of investment has not yet been discussed with the Defense Forces, but local authorities hope that they may have a NATO base.
Tanja Hannus
The Lappeenranta administration hopes that if Finland joins the alliance, a NATO base may appear in the city.
The mayor of Lappeenranta, Kimmo Jarva, admits that such thoughts arose during the active discussion of Finland's accession to NATO — as well as due to the fact that South Karelia is located near the border of the EU and Russia.
This issue has not yet been discussed with the Finnish Defense Forces. However, Lappeenranta hopes that the Defense Forces will make major investments in South Karelia if the country is accepted into NATO.
"I heard that there are thoughts about the airport. It will be quite possible to use it if the Defense Forces so want. I can't say anything about the deployment of Defense Forces and military units, I'm not an expert," Yarva argues.
According to Kimmo Jarva, Finland's accession to NATO would give hope to South Karelia. For example, it can create a sense of security and confidence among local entrepreneurs.
"For example, entrepreneurs hope that the situation will become more stable. Everything was stable here before, but this way there will be a sense of security, all this will contribute to investments," says Yarva.
He wants to believe that one day the war will end, and ordinary people will again cross the border safely.
"Membership in NATO will not interfere with the movement of ordinary people if everything is put in order," Yarva is sure.
