In accordance with the instruction of the Central People's Government (CPG), the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has issued a notice to the Consulate General of Finland, Hong Kong today (October 23) to suspend the implementation of the Agreement between the Government of the HKSAR of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Government of the Republic of Finland Concerning Surrender of Fugitive Offenders (SFO).
 
     A Government spokesman said, "It is an international practice to safeguard national security through enactment of laws. Finland has put in place relevant law but has unilaterally suspended the implementation of the SFO agreement with the HKSAR, using the enactment of the Law of the PRC on Safeguarding National Security in the HKSAR as an excuse. Such move is an open interference in China's internal affairs and a violation of international law and basic norms governing international relations. The HKSAR Government firmly objects to the move of Finland. The country has politicised juridical co-operation, thereby damaging the basis of juridical co-operation between the HKSAR and Finland. For this reason, in accordance with the instruction of the CPG, the HKSAR Government has suspended the implementation of the SFO agreement between the HKSAR and Finland."
 
     The HKSAR signed the SFO agreement with Finland in May 2005. The agreement entered into force in August 2013.

Ends/Friday, October 23, 2020
Issued at HKT 15:28

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