Chapter 8 - International relations

Section 93 -Competence in the area of foreign policy issues

The communication of important foreign policy positions to foreign States and international organisations is the responsibility of the Minister with competence in foreign affairs.

Section 2

(1) The Ministry of Justice shall have the authority to receive requests for cooperation made by the International Criminal Court, concerning the investigation and prosecution of crimes within the jurisdiction of the Court, including requests for the arrest and surrender of persons and for the enforcement of orders of the Court, and shall execute the requests either itself or with the help of other competent authorities.
(2) Replies to the International Criminal Court shall be delivered through the Ministry of Justice even in cases where the Ministry of Justice has not itself executed the request, unless otherwise provided in the request for cooperation.
(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (1) and (2), the International Criminal Court may also contact competent Finnish authorities directly or through the diplomatic channels, or through the International Criminal Police Organization or any other appropriate regional organization.

Chapter 1
General provisions

Section 3
Central authority

The Ministry of Justice shall act as Central Authority and discharge the duties falling within the scope of application of this Act.

As Central Authority the Ministry of Justice shall:

1) receive the requests for assistance transmitted by an authority of a foreign State;

2) carry out, either directly or through the competent Finnish authorities, the execution of the requests for assistance transmitted by authorities of a foreign State;

3) transmit the requests for assistance by the competent Finnish authorities to authorities of a foreign State; as well as

4) carry out translations of documents and to discharge other duties of the Central Authority.