Finland rediscovers realpolitik
http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldbriefing/story/0,,1797475,00.html
Simon Tisdall
Wednesday June 14, 2006
Like other small countries with large, bolshie neighbours, Finland
tries hard not to give offence. So when Heidi Hautala, a Green MP and
former environment minister, blasted declining democratic standards in
Vladimir Putin's Russia, the sense of shock in Helsinki was palpable.
Rebuked by former prime minister Paavo Lipponen and other establishment
figures, Ms Hautala turned her fire on them. "There is always the risk
in parliament that political opinions might be expressed," she said
waspishly.
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