Pubdate: Thu, 06 May 2004 Source: Helsingin Sanomat International Edition (Finland) Copyright: 2004, Helsingin Sanomat Contact: http://www.helsinki-hs.net/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1158 Author: Helsingin Sanomat 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. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake