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Finland Stopping African Aid is Europe's Worst Colonial Policy: Russian Lawmaker

Helsinki's new administration, which was established by the Coalition Party and the True Finns after winning the April legislative elections, intends to reduce help to underdeveloped nations by around one billion euros.
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The decision of the new Finnish government to deprive African countries supporting Russia of financial assistance is a vivid example of the worst colonial policy in the spirit of European countries, Russia's State Duma Deputy Speaker Alexander Babakov told Sputnik.

"This is a vivid example of the worst colonial policy in the spirit of European countries. It is very regrettable that Finland follows the bad example of its older European brothers from the century before last, when they, under the propaganda sauce of the 'civilizational mission', were simply engaged in the division of the natural resources of the African continent, and the people inhabiting it were turned into slaves," Babakov said.

The vice speaker added that now the task of the Europeans is "to bring Africa to its knees and squeeze all the resources out of it, eventually depriving it of sovereignty."

"In such a situation, our European partners really do not like the position of Russia, which offers African countries equal partnership and mutually beneficial relations while preserving the sovereignty of their states," the he said.

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The politician went on to express confidence that no intimidation by the "former colonialists" will affect the decision of African countries on cooperation and interaction with Russia.

"Over the long years of interaction, the African peoples have become convinced of the sincerity and honesty of our attitude towards them. The Russian side is interested in strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation with African countries," Babakov also stated.

He called on the Finnish government to remember that their state gained independence and sovereignty only thanks to Russia.

"Until 1917, Finland was part of the Russian Empire and gained independence by a happy accident as a result of the forced abdication of Emperor Nicholas II in March 1917, who also bore the title of Grand Duke of Finland. Therefore, first of all, I want to appeal to the friendly people of Finland – are you sure that you need a government that does not remember its own history?" the parliamentarian concluded.