From a radio interview on Lapin Radio, Finnish Broadcasting Company, 18 March 2005.:

Question: Will forestry continue in your district (Upper Lapland)?

"I am convinced that state forestry in Inari will continue. We are talking about such huge areas here. There are lot of new generations of managed forests and those will be managed, giving us future possibilities... But there it is about a period of 10-20 years during which [Metsähallitus] has to survive - and for that, we need these areas that are now under discussion, the old-growth forests and areas estimated to be important reindeer grazing areas..."

Question: The Ministry for Forestry and Agriculture has stated that it is not going to give up in front of Greenpeace in Finland. Can the Ministry for Forestry and Agriculture just order you to continue here?

"I have understood this as just the correct statement of principle. However, the markets seems to live their own life..."

So - in essence, we have a spokesperson for Metsähallitus saying that for his company to remain profitable, it needs to wipe old-growth forests, and important reindeer herding areas. Good grief...

Mr Veijola - if you're looking for any coaching in media training - maybe we can help?

- Dave