Finland calls for investigation into US missile strike, gas attack in Syria

Finnish President Sauli Niinisto said that both the U.S. missile strike on early Friday and the gas attack on Tuesday should be investigated carefully and immediately.

Niinisto told the media on Friday that the international community should act now really fast. He said that the matter has been discussed at the United Nations and no agreement was reached before the U.S. strike.

Niinisto said Finland condemns the gas attack of April 4, and is prepared to help investigate the events.

Niinisto talked to the media following a meeting of the cabinet foreign and security policy ministerial committee.

The president usually attends its meetings. The presidential attendance reflects the current Finnish constitutional requirement that the president handles foreign and security policy "in cooperation with the cabinet". Prime minister Juha Sipila is the chairman of the committee.

Earlier on Friday, Finnish Foreign Minister Timo Soini said that violence and use of force will not ultimately solve the conflict in Syria, but talks are needed and a peace process should start.

Soini said the world expects measures now from the permanent member countries of the United Nations. He warned of risks in case the situation escalates.

Source: Xinhua