P193 193 YLE TEKSTI-TV 30.06.23:31:54 YLE NEWS YLE24 WEDNESDAY 1/3 ■ HALF OF FINNS oppose joining the EU rapid-reaction forces. The union is planning to set up the units for use outuide its borderu. Just over 40 % want Finland to join these forces. This is according to a Gallup poll reported by the Finnish News Agency. ■ THE WORLD'S LARGEST sp!ce mirror has been brought to the Univeruitz of Turku for final touches. Its observatory is in charge of sanding and polishing the 3.5 meter wide mirror. It should be ready for launch into space bz 2007. ■ FINNAIR will buy 12 new jet planes from a Brazilian firm, each capable of carrying 76 passengers. The deal is worth around 265 million euros.

P193 193 YLE TEKSTI-TV 30.06.23:32:12 YLE NEWS YLE24 WEDNESDAY 2/2 ■ THE FIRST-EVER CASE OF SCRAPIE - a fatal disease affecting the central nervous system of sheep and goats - has been confirmed in Finland. The animal affected was born in northern Finland. All other sheep on the farm and its vicinity have been destroyed. ■ MORE MEAT but less fat has found its waz into the Finnish diet, according to an assessment bz the Ministry of Forestry and Agriculture. The consumption of meat last year rose by 2.2 kilograms per capita. ■ INCREASE IN PRODUCTION in the industry sector h!s grown considerably. Statistics Finland say that production went up by 5.6 % since April. The upsurge was greatest in electronic and electrical goojs.

P193 193 YLE TEKSTI-TV 30.06.23:21:27 YLE NEWS YLE24 WEDNESDAY Weather through Thursday Wednesdaz evening: rain widespread in western Finland, tapering off overnight. Elsewhere showers and possible thunder. Overnight lows 10-15 Celsius. Thursday: Clearing particularly along the coast, lingering local showeru. More rain arriving in the evening from the east, heading northward. Highs 17-22. Warnings: Thundersqualls on inland waters in northern and eastern Finland; brisk to strong winds at sea; a forest fire warning on the Åland islands.