European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo on Friday urged de-escalation amid Iran-Israel tensions. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (L) and Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo attend a press conference at Lappeenranta airport, southeastern Finland, on April 19, 2024. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo on Friday urged de-escalation amid Iran-Israel tensions. (Lauri Heikkinen/Prime minister's office/Handout via Xinhua) They made these comments at a press conference held at southeastern Finland's Lappeenranta airport on Friday. The event followed a visit to the Finnish eastern border near the town of Imatra. "We must do everything possible to ensure that all sides refrain from escalating the situation in the region," said von der Leyen. She emphasized the necessity for stabilizing in the region. Orpo expressed hope that both sides would avoid retaliatory attacks. According to local media reports, the purpose of their visit to the eastern border was to inspect a pilot fence, about three kilometers long, built near the Imatra border crossing. |
Hong Kong denies entry to campaigner en route to Jimmy Lai trial — Radio Free AsiaIsrael presses on with Gaza offensive approaching 100 days of warAustralian town of Marble Bar clocks 26 consecutive days over 43 degrees CelsiusNASA's historic Mars helicopter Ingenuity grounded for good after 72 flights'Unusually cool March': Cold but clear weather for Easter weekendBiden: US will defend Philippines if vessels are attacked — Radio Free AsiaBiden: US will defend Philippines if vessels are attacked — Radio Free AsiaDonetsk: Deadly blast hits market in RussiaPerson arrested after threat plunges Tauranga Hospital into fiveUnlicensed Hastings driver toppled motorcyclist, drove over him, causing fatal injuries, then fled