The congress decided to secede from Soviet Russia and, guided by the Soviet authorities declared the principle of "the right of nations to self-determination", they declared independence as the Republic of Uhtua. The declaration of the Congress stated: "Karelia itself must govern their own affairs and to secede from Russia".[9] The congress also thanked Finland for their promise to "help and support", who had a representative at the Congress present.[2] The Government was renamed the Provisional Government of Karelia.