Finnish, Estonian FMs discuss visa restrictions for Russians

Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto and his Estonian counterpart Urmas Reinsalu, on Wednesday met in Helsinki and discussed various issues including restrictions on visas for Russian citizens.

They also discussed bilateral issues, European security and topical international questions.

"Tomorrow, we will put all visas that we have previously issued under sanctions," Reinsalu said at a joint press conference after the meeting.

He later told national broadcaster Yle that more than 50,000 Russians would lose their rights to visas, reported Xinhua.

However, Haavisto said that Finland would not cancel visas that had already been granted.

The Finnish government on Tuesday decided to reduce the number of tourist visas granted to Russians by 10 percent of the current number, although study and work visas will not be restricted.

Visas issued based on family relationships will also remain unaffected, Haavisto said.

Reinsalu said Estonia would suggest that the European Commission should impose restrictions covering the whole of the European Union (EU).

The issue is set to be discussed by the EU foreign ministers meeting in late August, said Haavisto.