Finland has closed its embassy in Syria and the staff are on their way back home. This was done in connection with the turbulent situation in the country, The Voice of Russia reported.
All diplomats have left Damascus and are temporarily located in Jordan and Lebanon.
Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja urged all Finns to avoid travel to Syria if possible.
Last week, the member countries of the Cooperation Council of Arab Gulf states also decided to close their embassies in Damascus.
In addition Britain, France, Italy, Canada, Switzerland and Spain have also closed their missions in Syria.