HELSINKI, March 5 (Xinhua) -- Finland will seek to amend its Nuclear Energy Act and Criminal Code to lift a blanket ban on the import and domestic handling of nuclear devices, in a move the Ministry of Defense said on Thursday is aimed at aligning Finnish law with NATO's deterrence and defense.
The draft proposal will allow the import of nuclear devices into Finland or their transport, supply or possession in Finland in the context of Finland's homeland defense, NATO's collective defense or defense cooperation, the ministry said.
Current legislation prohibits, without exception, the import of nuclear devices into Finland as well as their transport, supply and possession inside the country.
"The objective is to remove legal barriers to enable Finland's homeland defense as part of the alliance and the full utilization of NATO's deterrence and defense," the ministry said, adding that the changes are intended "to maximize Finland's security in an unpredictable operating environment" and to keep the threshold for military action against Finland and the alliance "as high as possible."
The proposed amendment does not mean that Finland will be seeking to have nuclear weapons in its territory, according to the ministry.
Finland does not seek to have nuclear weapons in its territory nor is NATO planning such a move, the ministry said, adding that the amendment will not impact NATO's nuclear exercises as no nuclear weapons are moved during such exercises now or in the future.
The ministry said the amendment will make Finnish legislation compatible with NATO's functions and will not conflict with Finland's international obligations.
The public consultation period will run until April 2, and the ministry said the goal is for the amendment to enter into force as soon as possible. ■
