Rinne, Johnson speak over phone on Brexit situation

Prime Minister Antti Rinne on Saturday had a telephone conversation with his British counterpart Boris Johnson, said an official press release.

“I spoke today with Prime Minister Boris Johnson about the Brexit situation at Johnson’s initiative. Prime Minister Johnson described the current situation in the United Kingdom and provided his assessment of the conditions for negotiations with the EU Commission,” Rinne said after the phone conversation.

The Prime Minister said that he responded by stating Finland’s position, which is that it is important that the UK has now put forth written proposals for alternative solutions to replace the previously negotiated withdrawal agreement.

“I remarked that the proposed solutions do not ensure the upholding of the Good Friday Agreement, the unity of the EU and a well-functioning internal market. The proposals will also be assessed from a legal standpoint by the EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier and his team,” said Rinne.

“I told Johnson that it is important to find a solution within a week so that the matter can be dealt with properly at the October European Council. Johnson stated that he agreed with the timetable and understood that the conditions I presented regarding upholding the Good Friday Agreement, maintaining the unity of the EU and ensuring a functional internal market are a prerequisite for a solution. I said that I would discuss the situation with Barnier during the weekend,” the Prime Minister added