Translation

SPEECH BY PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC MARTTI AHTISAARI
AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING
OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ÅLAND ON 2.11.1998

In accordance with the Autonomy Act, the Legislative Assembly of Åland is opened by the President of the Republic of Finland or, on his behalf, by the Governor. Where the self-governing status of Åland is concerned, the Constitution of Finland accords the President of the Republic quite a special role. In addition to the control function that he performs by virtue of his right to exercise a veto in the event of the Legislative Assembly having exceeded its powers under the Autonomy Act, his office can be seen as a guarantee that Åland’s self-government will be respected and dealt with by the State in a proper manner.

I want to emphasise in this context that it is important for the whole country that self-government develops and thrives. Consequently, my decision to open the Legislative Assembly personally this year is based on a wish to show that I have a strong interest in the system of self-government functioning to the mutual satisfaction of Åland and the whole of Finland. It is certainly also appropriate to note that the decision was made long before the independence debate last summer and the language debate more recently.

The debate about an independent Åland that flared up last summer has received major attention throughout the country, not least because the initiative was presented by a member of the Government of Åland. There are certainly many people who expect the President of the Republic to take a stance on a possible drive for independence. – It should first be emphasised that the debate about Åland is new and that not even those participating in it imagine that independence could be imminent. Yet the fact that the possibility of a drive for independence finds support also in official Åland means that the debate must be taken seriously.

Åland’s self-government has evolved as a solution to serious international complications. It has been said that one of the reasons why it has worked out so well is that everyone won something in the arrangement: Finland’s sovereignty over Åland was recognised, Åland gained autonomy and Sweden guaranteed that Åland would remain demilitarised and neutral.

Åland’s self-government has been put forward in numerous connections as an international model for resolution of conflicts. Today Åland is one of the world’s most peaceful and happiest regions. That is something worth standing up in defence of. In this context I would like to make special mention of Tanzanian President Mkapa’s visit here during the summer. In a letter to me he has expressed his thanks for having been able to visit Åland.

This is what he wrote: "It was very thoughtful of you to arrange for us a visit to Åland where we were not only received very well, and accorded excellent hospitality, but where we also had the opportunity to learn of the intricate relationship between Åland and the State of Finland. Some aspects of that relationship could find application in the evolving relationship between the Zanzibar and Union Governments. In that case, we might need your technical support in developing them for our use."

The special status of Åland has aroused interest more widely as well. For this reason a contact group is currently being set up by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Government of Åland. The tasks envisaged for it would include making the Åland model of self-government better-known in the world and presenting it through the Ministry and our diplomatic missions abroad. Increasing cooperation of this kind between the Helsinki authorities and Åland lies in the interests of all involved.

The Republic of Finland has no interest in the present arrangement being changed. The reasons for this are many and complicated. In this context I shall only point out the most important one: an independence movement in Åland would upset stability in the region. In a troubled world we should still be able to stand out as an example of how conditions can be gradually developed without ourselves introducing new uncertainty factors. Independence for Åland would today mean completely unpredictable changes. All international relations – not least with the European Union – would have to be built up again and what willingness to do this would exist is completely uncertain. As a tiny state, Åland would be economically vulnerable in the absence of the security that the present economic system provides. The existing restrictions in relation to economic activities and land acquisition would presumably be impossible, because the EU would no longer approve any exemptions. Even the basis for protecting the Swedish language would disappear, meaning that international conventions would have to be implemented in full, with absolutely no exceptions being permitted. Swedish would become the majority language rather than a minority one. Last but not least, the security situation in the Baltic Sea region would be upset in a way that cannot be foreseen.

There is, naturally, nothing wrong with people in Åland discussing the question of independence and studying its consequences and the chances of achieving it, but it is my wish that Åland’s official line will be kept clear. It will be unfortunate both for Åland and for the whole country if mixed signals are received. Therefore I want to express my wish here that in their coming work both the Legislative Assembly and the Government will make it clear that the present autonomy is the foundation on which they stand and for which they are working. At the same time, I feel it is my duty in my capacity as the President of the Republic to make it clear that Finland has no intention of relinquishing the sovereignty that the League of Nations recognised. It is equally clear that Finland will continue to work to develop the system of autonomy and it is my hope that this will continue to be able to happen through understanding and mutual respect.

Language and language policy are questions that easily prompt a surge of emotions. That language is such an important part of everyone’s personal identity is certainly one explanation for this. I want to urge all who cast themselves into the language debate to be conciliatory. A strong respect for one’s own language rights together with respect for others is a good foundation on which to build. This applies not only in Finland, but also within the multilingual European Union. – In today’s highly technological society, language questions are also acquiring new dimensions. The opportunity to provide citizens with services through the medium of their own mother tongue is often limited to what is technically possible. Now, however, technology is opening up completely new opportunities to provide services in several languages. In many sectors of administration the opportunity to obtain services through the medium of one’s own mother tongue is an important prerequisite for ensuring that people’s legal rights are safeguarded. In Åland’s case, the tax administration is one such sector. It is important that when new computer systems are being built up the software is made bilingual. It does not cost much then, but is expensive to do later.

Despite the comprehensive reforms and changes that have happened in recent years, many new and important tasks now await the Legislative Assembly. A bill to amend the Autonomy Act is before Parliament. There is a direct link between the bill and the proposed new Constitution of Finland, which is intended to come into force in the year 2000. Other amendments to the Autonomy Act are being considered by a working group, which is expected to submit its report early next year. It is my hope that solutions will be found to, especially, the problems that relate to oversight of the constitutionality of legislation and deliberating EU questions.

With these words I declare the Legislative Assembly of Åland open and hope its work will prove successful for the province and its people.