Rolling Stones in Helsinki

They were playing at Olympic Stadium. In the end spectacle they relly light up the stadium. The stadium is full scale sports arena - described as the most beautiful in the world. You can see the fireworks were really big. On the right side of the image you see the characteristic stadium tower being lit by the fireworks.

Here’s video clip outside of the stadium. Sound quality is good as you can hear. The video quality is not as bad as it seems, but something happens when it gets on screen. The red dots in the sky are hot air balloons.

Stadion on fire

2007-05-11 - Semi-final day

Party at Senate square in Helsinki. Approximately 6000 people there. More expected when Finland wins ;).

There were other events throughout the city during the day, but no pictures about them.

Videos.

Eurovision party @ Senate square (video)

Eurovision party @ Senate square (video 2)

2007-05-12 - Final day

Serbia wins.

Approximately 25000 people on Senate square. More people weren’t allowed on the square.

British tourist described the stairs of the church (Helsingin tuomiokirkko) as “couch of the world”. Very descriptive name indeed.

Eurovision aftermath party @ Rautatientori square (video 3)

What’s wrong with Russia?

Fifteen years ago Russia, or Soviet Union (CCCP), was steered to the world of democratic nations by their first president, Boris Yeltsin. At the time a lot changed in Russian politics. Ex-soviet states were no longer taking orders from Kremlin. Many countries got back their sovereignity. At the same time Russia aknowledged these countries as such, thus giving up the control in the regions.

Finland, which had gained independence in 1917, one year in advance of Estonia, was also happy to see Russia in its present course. Soviet Union still had influence in Finnish politics, although Finland had been independent for several decades - and having the longest lasting democracy in the world. In 1992, after chaos in Russia had somewhat settled, Yeltsin visited Finland and stated very clearly:

“I want to say it straight, that on our side there was a real effort to interfere in the affairs of independent Finland. As the President of Russia I can say that such actions will never again overshadow relations between Russia and Finland”

The promise has been kept. Russia hasn’t been involving in Finland’s politics. But how are other countries? Aren’t they sovereign too?

The latest issue is Estonian “statue dispute”. Estonia wants to relocate bronze statue, which they see as symbol of Soviet occupation. Russia doesn’t like it, so this is what they say:

“Our opinion is that the Estonian government must resign. It is obvious that the government provoked the crisis and failed to cope with the unrest in which one person was killed” - Nikolai Kovalyov, leader of a Russian parliamentary delegation

As if it was normal situation to ask foreign country’s government to resign. Some of their politics must still live in the 80’s. The year is 2007. Estonia is member of EU and NATO. What is it that makes Russia think they can dictate what Estonia should do?

The topping is Putin talking about foreign interference in Russia.

“… democratic ideology to interfere in our internal affairs.”

Russia, welcome to the 21st century. You are neighbours with EU now.

In the summer of last year Israel proceeded to war against Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon. In the process they bombed UN facilities killing four UN workers, including Finnish peacekeeper.

Later in the same year Finland received Isreael’s answer to the request of investigation of the incident. The report states that the bombing was “operational mistake” and Israel takes responsibility for it.

It was in the news today, that the Israeli PM’s office is concerned about the court ruling of publishing testimonies of Israeli officials. Allegedly revealing the testimonies would “damage foreign relations“.

“[There] is a real and present concern… over damage to the security of the state, its foreign relations and its relations with various individuals and groups that were involved, and continue to be involved, in managing the state’s security issues” — Isreali PM’s office

After getting away killing four UN workers, wounding several others and killing hundreds of Lebanese civilians with no consequences, it’s hard to see how statements by the officials would “damage foreign relations” more than not. Even the “matter of national security” seems like a excuse for keeping the embarassing statements as a state secret.

The outcome shouldn’t be too much of a surprise though, looking at the Israel’s current “public relations”: On the brink of a war with - how many - 3 to 5 countries?