MP ADMITS TO CANNABIS USE

Rosa Merilainen Green League Member of Parliament for Tampere Rosa
Merilainen has created a stir in Parliamentary circles by admitting in
the magazine Image that she "smoked a little cannabis at some parties"
during her term as an MP, around a year ago.

Merilainen's interview was discussed in a meeting of the Greens'
Parliamentary Group. Her confession was regarded as an awkward one, as
the party is currently preparing for the June elections to the
European Parliament.

"Particularly stupid. The laws currently in force should be
respected", said Green League Chairman Osmo Soininvaara, who commented
that the incident was damaging to the party.

Merilainen, 28, who was elected to Parliament in March of last year,
is a former Vice-Chairman of the Green League.