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Home , Lennart Meri, Toomas Hendrik Ilves

Estonian Review E E S T I R I N G V A A D E VOLUME 19 NO 13 MAR 25 - 31, 2009

80th ANNIVERSARY OF ’S BIRTH FOREIGN NEWS Paet: Hesitation Could Hinder Reforms in Western Balkans 28 March - During the informal meeting of the foreign ministers (Gymnich meeting) in Hluboká nad Vlatvou in the Czech Republic, the EU foreign ministers focused on the Western Balkan nations growing closer to the EU. Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that hesitation by the EU member states regarding continuing support for the Western Balkan nations would be a clear setback. Foreign Minister Paet said that some slowdown is noticeable in the development of relations between the EU and the Western Balkan nations. “The EU must take The opening panel of the Lennart Meri Conference, 29 March. supporting the reform of the Western Balkan nations completely seriously. President Lennart Meri Played Leading Role on Estonian We should move forward now with Political Stage Montenegro’s accession application in 29 March - If Lennart Meri were to wish something for Europe the same way we have worked with today, it would be that everyone who strives for freedom, for such applications in the past,” Paet democracy, and for the rule of law should be extended a helping added. hand and given a chance, President said in Paet also said that it is positive his opening remarks at the third Lennart Meri Conference on that the first round of presidential Sunday. and local elections carried out in Ilves said President Meri played a leading role on the Estonian political Macedonia* took place without stage for nearly fifteen years, during which became what it is problems, and the upcoming second today -- a democracy governed by the rule of law, a member of the round must also correspond to all European Union and of NATO. international standards. "Yet let us imagine ourselves back at the end of the tumultuous 1980s. Paet believes that moving forward What occurred then need not have gone the way it did, even if many swiftly with visa facilitation is also today see it all as self-evidently pre-ordained," he said, observing that at very important, the ultimate goal the time the independence of Estonia and the other Baltic states was not being visa freedom with the Western considered in the West as necessary. Balkan nations as soon as possible. "To the contrary -- insofar as the Western powers until August 1991 “For example, Serbia and Macedonia considered perestroika the best thing they could imagine happening on have fulfilled a majority of the this side of the after World War II, the attempts of the Baltic requirements, so it is time for the EU countries to break free from the Soviet empire were seen as unnecessarily to make a decision regarding visa rocking the boat and that this could disrupt a long-desired idyll," Ilves freedom. Addressing each nation said. "Without a credible, convincing, but first of all an erudite advocate, individually is essential,” he added. our quest for freedom would not have made itself heard, much less Paet stated that the effects of the understood. I am not sure we would have been heard out." current economic crisis are very Like Lech Walesa in and Vaclav Havel in the Czech Republic, it severe in the Western Balkans and was Lennart Meri who became the spokesman of the Baltic countries' that this is another area in which the aspiration for freedom, Ilves said. EU could offer support. "He could not be brushed off or dismissed, as he was wiser and In talking about developments in cleverer than many of his interlocutors. He was in his element in the Kosovo, Paet remarked that the EU waters of international diplomacy, and made excellent use of his perfect mission EULEX Kosovo must regain knowledge of a number of foreign languages," Ilves said, observing that its capabilities this spring and be Meri provided a striking contrast to all the other diplomats and foreign constantly present in the northern policy experts from ex-Soviet countries. part of Kosovo. Continued on page 2 *Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

Lennart Meri essential for preventing the spread of protectionist economic policies in the world. (continued from page 1) The Estonian and Portuguese foreign ministers "Meri created a new reality. He showed Estonia agreed that the current economic difficulties and and the , our resolve and our goals as complications in implementing the Treaty of Lisbon different. If you will, as Western... And he did this so should not hinder the further enlargement of the convincingly that many of us started in fact to feel European Union. “It is crucial to complete accession Western, different, special, and -- to be honest -- negotiations with Croatia, and it is equally important even to feel superior," Ilves said. to move forward with other candidate states in order He added that 15-20 years ago Estonians were to guarantee the preservation of their accession neither superior, nor more special, nor inferior to prospects and their motivation to implement other nations. "We were taken seriously in the early reforms,” Paet noted. 1990s because our spokesperson was Lennart Meri," During the meeting with his Portuguese he stated. colleague, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet emphasised Estonia was lucky to have Lennart Meri in crucial the value of cultural contacts between the two times, Ilves said. "But this good luck should be what nations: “Portuguese language instruction takes enables us to understand those who lack a Lennart place in both Tartu and Universities, and both of their own. We see the potential of those countries universities have, in accordance with a co-operation despite the absence of such spokespersons. We agreement, a scholarship for language study in understand that if we give a country or a people a Portugal,” Paet said, expressing his satisfaction over chance, if we give them the necessary benefit of the co-operation with Portugal. doubt, as we were once given, then it might just The foreign ministers also discussed European happen that they too will become our allies, fellow Neighbourhood Policy Eastern Partnership and member states of the European Union," Ilves said. including Belarus in the Neighbourhood Policy. The Lennart Meri Conference that opened in Foreign Minister Paet emphasised that the Eastern Tallinn on Sunday is going to discuss key issues of Partnership must become a concrete policy that will foreign and security policy in Europe and the world. be an effective medium for allowing target states to Lennart Meri, the first after become closer to the EU. When talking about restoration of independence, would have marked his Belarus, Paet emphasised the need for a strict and 80th birthday on . conditional yet positive policy. “Prerequisites for

including Belarus in the Neighbourhood Policy must Adopting the Euro Will Strengthen be progress in the nation and a desire to move European Economic Environment forward with reforms based on democratic values 30 March - Foreign Minister Urmas Paet met and ensuring the basic rights of citizens,” said Paet. with Portuguese Foreign Minister Luís Filipe On the initiative of the Portuguese foreign Marques Amado, who was in Estonia for an minister, the two also talked about the official visit. Foreign Minister Urmas Paet Mediterranean Union. Foreign Minister Paet expressed his satisfaction that the first visit ever to expressed hope that the co-operation of the union, Estonia by a Portuguese foreign minister has taken which was halted due to the military activity in place. Gaza, will see positive development and the Arab Paet introduced Estonia’s plans for joining the nations will continue co-operation with their euro-zone with his Portuguese colleague. “Estonia Mediterranean partners. wishes to join the euro-zone under the existing criteria and procedures. We do not want exceptions Foreign Minister Speaks at Afghanistan to be made; we want to fulfil all the criteria and Conference receive a positive decision on that basis, so that for 31 March - In his speech at the Afghanistan example in the year 2011 it would be possible for conference in The Hague, Foreign Minister Estonia to begin using the euro,” emphasised the Urmas Paet emphasised that Afghanistan and Estonian foreign minister. the international community must clearly Portuguese Foreign Minister Amado stated that define the goals to be met on both the the effects of the current global economic crisis governmental and provincial levels in would be much harsher in Portugal if the nation had Afghanistan. “Estonia plans to continue not adopted the euro. contributing to the reconstruction of Afghanistan and In light of the upcoming European Union-United supporting its security, and we are looking for States summit, the foreign ministers addressed the opportunities to increase our military contributions topic of Europe-USA relations. Foreign Minister Paet and diversify our reconstruction activities,” stressed recognised his colleague for his efforts towards Foreign Minister Paet. actively raising transatlantic topics in the European The foreign minister mentioned the upcoming Union. “Estonia, like Portugal, considers a tight presidential election as the most important event for partnership based on common values between the Afghanistan in the near future. Paet emphasised that European Union and the USA to be very important if the impending Afghan presidential election is for guaranteeing security and stability in Europe and carried out without any significant problems, it all over the world,” said Paet. “At the moment, it is would be an important step in building up Afghan essential for the EU, in its relations with the USA, to institutions and increasing the trust of the people in intensify all kinds of co-operation, including in the the central authorities. “If the elections are honest energy security sector,” stated Paet. He also and free, then the conditions will be right for getting emphasised that in the circumstances of the global a president and government with a clear mandate financial crisis, intensifying co-operation between into office,” he stated. “We also feel it is important the European Union and the United States is to send a full-scale international election monitoring Karzai said that Afghanistan needs 400 000 of its mission to Afghanistan. The participation of non- own police officers and soldiers in order to ensure governmental Afghan organisations in the election security. monitoring would also help to increase the credibility Paet asserted that the international community of the elections,” Paet added. needs to contribute more than before to police While talking about the effectiveness of aid training, including the full staffing of the EU police targeted at Afghanistan, the Estonian foreign mission. “Afghan police officers have a very difficult minister emphasised the important role that UN job. Every day 4-6 Afghan police officers are killed. Special Representative Kai Eide and the United They deserve our recognition, but they also require Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reform,” Paet added. play in co-ordinating the aid of international President Karzai also emphasised progress in organisations. “There are a lot of donors in providing education for girls. “Eight years ago there Afghanistan. For the sake of more successful results, were 7 000 people per year in Afghanistan wishing there is a need to create a general database of to attend university, none of which were female. donors and their contributions,” said Paet. Now there are 85 000 young people seeking higher From the standpoint of the reconstruction of education every year,” he stated. Afghanistan, the Estonian foreign minister believes it is very important to pay more attention to President Ilves Met with Czech Deputy Afghanistan’s economic development and Prime Minister agricultural development. “Only social and economic development can provide a foundation for the 31 March - President Toomas Hendrik Ilves met stabilisation of the security situation,” stated Urmas with Alexandr Vondra, Deputy Prime Minister Paet. “The Afghan work force and products should of the Czech Republic, which currently holds be used to their maximum potential in building up the EU presidency. Mr. Vondra is participating in the nation. Local Afghan businesses should be the Lennart Meri Conference on Foreign and Security included in the process,” he added. Policy in Tallinn. The security situation in Afghanistan is still At the meeting, during which President Ilves complicated, and its correction requires the help of acknowledged the Czech Republic for its successful neighbouring nations. “It is not possible to stabilise EU presidency, the main topics included the situation in Afghanistan without the help of developments in the European Union and the Pakistan, since the future developments of Community’s neighbourhood. Afghanistan depend largely on developments in “The Eastern Partnership initiative started by the Pakistan,” emphasised Foreign Minister Paet. “More is important, because it attention should be given to co-operation addressing encourages and prompts our many neighbours to security in Afghanistan-Pakistan border areas,” Paet intensify reforms related to democracy and market stressed. economy,” President Ilves said. Representatives of nearly 90 nations and Speaking about the general economic situation in international organisations participated in the Europe and the world generally, President Ilves and Afghanistan conference in The Hague. Participants in Deputy Prime Minister Vondra affirmed that a the conference included Afghan President Hamid precondition for future recovery is frugality on the Karzai, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, part of all countries today and extremely American Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and UN conservative budgetary policies, which are not Special Representative Kai Eide. influenced by election campaigns or overly optimistic promises based on day-to-day politics. Afghan President Karzai Recognised In talking about the Lisbon Treaty, Deputy Prime Minister Vondra expressed the opinion that it will Estonia’s Contribution to Afghanistan’s soon be ratified by the Czech Republic and that the Reconstruction new Irish referendum will hopefully succeed. 31 March - Afghan President Hamid Karzai met with Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet, Estonia Supports Visa Freedom for Swedish Foreign Minister , Finnish Macedonia Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb, Norwegian 25 March - In his meeting with Macedonian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, and Foreign Minister Antonio Milošoski in Tallinn, representatives of and in The Foreign Minister Urmas Paet confirmed Hague. Estonia’s support for Macedonia’s accession to President Karzai thanked Estonia, , NATO and the beginning of its accession , , Denmark and Iceland for their negotiations with the European Union. “We contributions to developing Afghanistan and have always supported the open door policy for improving the security situation. Karzai stated that those nations that are prepared to accede,” said Afghanistan still requires support for bettering the Paet. security situation as well as for the development of According to Foreign Minister Paet, Estonia hopes its police, education and health systems. that the name dispute with will soon be Karzai stated that it is essential that the resolved and Macedonia will become a member state upcoming presidential elections in Afghanistan are of both NATO and the European Union. fair, democratic, and free of security problems. While talking about Macedonia’s prospect for visa Foreign Minister Paet said that Estonia will freedom with the EU, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet continue to contribute to Afghanistan’s security and expressed hope that it would be possible to reconstruction. “We are focused on building up the eliminate visa requirements for Macedonian citizens health care system in Helmand Province,” he added. this year. Foreign Minister Milošoski stated that Paet stated that it is a positive sign that the Afghan Macedonia has completed its preparations for visa authorities are taking charge in increasingly more freedom. “Estonia supports visa freedom to the regions and sectors in Afghanistan.

3 European Union for all Western Balkan countries,” database of potential experts for civil missions could emphasised Foreign Minister Paet. alleviate this situation,” said Paet. During their meeting, Foreign Minister Antonio Foreign Minister Paet also emphasised the need Milošoski informed Paet of Macedonia’s intention to for strategies of participation in civil missions, so turn their existing diplomatic representation in that the expertise and capabilities of all nations Tallinn into the Macedonian Embassy in Estonia. would be utilised efficiently. “Estonia is working out Foreign Minister Paet stated that this would make a law addressing participation in international civil the active relations between the two nations even missions so that we have a common goal with the tighter. During his visit to Macedonia last November, European Union in developing civil missions,” said Foreign Minister Paet opened Estonia’s first honorary Foreign Minister Paet. consulate in the Western Balkans in Skopje. The six European Union civil missions to which Another affirmation of tight Estonia-Macedonia Estonia makes various contributions are the relations is the 60 visits on various levels that have European Union police training mission EUPOL taken place between Estonia and Macedonia within Afghanistan, the rule of law missions EULEX Kosovo the past two years. Foreign Minister Paet stated that and EUJUST LEX in Iraq, the monitoring mission Estonian businessmen have more contacts in EUMM in , the EU border mission EUBAM in Macedonia now. “However, we still have room for Moldova, and the police mission EUPM in Bosnia and development in reciprocal trade and increasing Herzegovina. “Good examples of the European investments,” said Paet. “We are ready to share our Union’s reaction capabilities in recent times are the experience in building and implementing a strategic quick organisation of a monitoring mission to goods control system with Macedonia,” he added. Georgia after the war last year and the organisation Foreign Minister Milošoski also met with Prime of the mission that began work in Kosovo last year,” Minister , who congratulated Milošoski Paet noted. on the successfully organised elections. On 22 Paet stated that although Estonia will not March, the first rounds of the presidential and local immediately be participating in the first European government elections were held in Macedonia. Union military operation at sea EU NAVFOR ATALANTA, Estonia still believes that the mission is very important. “Containing the pirates acting in the coastal waters of Somalia and putting an end to piracy there is in all of our interests, since piracy has affected sailors from EU nations, including Estonia,” Paet emphasised.

Estonian Head of State Met with Latvian and Lithuanian Colleagues 27 March - According to President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, energy co-operation, preparations for the NATO summit, and discussion of the economic situation were the most important topics at today’s working meeting attended by the Estonian, Latvian and Foreign Minister Urmas Paet introduced the Lithuanian heads of state. Foreign Ministry’s history exhibit to “It is extremely important to find consensus and Macedonian Foreign Minister Antonio Milošoski joint solutions regarding the plans for energy during his official visit, 25 March. connections between the countries,”

stressed President Ilves. EU Foreign Ministers Agreed to “It is also important that NATO would utilise the Strengthen Civil Missions wish of its partner states to accede to the alliance to 28 March - The rise in the importance of strengthen the democratic processes in those European security and defence policy is countries. This would also fortify their preparedness confirmed by the amount of civil missions, for achieving full NATO membership,” President Ilves which has been constantly growing, noted said. Foreign Minister Urmas Paet. During an informal The presidents of the Baltic countries recognised meeting of the European Union foreign ministers that we are all affected by the economic crisis, and (Gymnich meeting) from 27-28 March in Hluboká therefore the actions of all of us may also impact our nad Vlatvou in the Czech Republic, the foreign neighbours. ministers acknowledged the need to concretise the “Realistic approaches toward cost savings and joint principles of participation in civil missions in balanced budgetary policies, as well as the both legislation and in financing activities. avoidance of withdrawal and protectionism – these Through the years, the European Union has had are some of the key moves that will help us cope 22 civil missions altogether. Currently the European with this crisis,” said President Ilves. Union has nine different civil missions, of which The Presidents of the Baltic states, Toomas Estonia is participating in six. Hendrik Ilves, Valdis Zatlers and Valdas Adamkus, “It is impossible not to pay attention to the met in Šiauliai today at the invitation of the importance of civil reconstruction work in conflict Lithuanian Head of State to mark the fifth regions,” said Foreign Minister Paet. However, Paet anniversary of the Baltic accession to NATO. At the added, it is often difficult to find experts for civil Lithuanian Air Force base in Šiauliai, the Presidents missions, since experts in the civil sector are usually were also briefed on the NATO Baltic air policing committed to responsibilities in their native mission and NATO Quick Reaction Alert program. country—in the police force, defence institutions, or They will also participate in a flower-laying other occupations. “The creation of a European

4 ceremony at the memorial to Lithuanian freedom “We must remain devoted to our shared objective fighters in the village of Menaiciai. of a Europe united, free, and peaceful, and keep NATO's door open to nations that are willing and Swedish Presidency of EU Comes at able to bear the responsibilities of membership. W e Complex Time must continue to support those who aspire to join NATO; Estonia's success stands as a strong example 30 March - During the meeting that took place for others to follow.” between Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and his Swedish colleague Carl Bildt, the ministers Foreign Ministry to Begin Updating discussed Sweden’s action plan as the next presidency of the European Union. Urmas Paet Foundations of Estonian Security Policy stated that the Swedish presidency falls at a 30 March - Today the schedule for updating complicated time. “The presidency must deal with Estonia’s security policy was confirmed. alleviating the effects of the greatest economic crisis Foreign Minister Urmas Paet noted that a wider of the century, climate agreements, the Treaty of understanding of the meaning of EU and NATO Lisbon, further enlargement of the EU, the situations membership and the opportunities associated with in the Middle East, Iran, and Afghanistan, and many membership has developed in Estonia. “Ensuring other complex issues,” he added. security is an ongoing process that does not end The ministers also discussed energy security. with accession to NATO,” emphasised Foreign Paet stated that in order to strengthen the European Minister Urmas Paet after the session of the security Union’s energy security and have a unified energy commission. “Threats to the security environment policy towards third countries, there must be a well- have diversified over the last five years, for example functioning internal energy market with sufficient in the energy and cyber security realms but also in connections. “In order to create and ensure a arms control,” said the foreign minister, explaining transparent Nordic-Baltic market with equal the rationale behind periodic reviews of the conditions, we need to have the ability to regulate foundations of security policy. electricity imports originating from third countries. The new conception is being compiled five years We hope to confirm a schedule during Sweden’s after Estonia’s accession to NATO and will be presidency for making Baltic energy connections,” completed at the Foreign Ministry by autumn of this Paet said. year. The current security policy principles were During the meeting, Paet also acknowledged that approved by the in 2004. The document the Nord Stream project continues to be a concern can be read on the Foreign Ministry website at for Estonia, since its effect on the Baltic Sea, a http://www.vm.ee/eng/kat_177/4666.html. delicate maritime environment, remains unclear. Another topic addressed at the meeting was the Estonian Recognised as Innovative economic crisis. Foreign Minister Paet stated that Documentary Filmmaker multi-faceted and thorough co-operation on all levels is needed to restore the trustworthiness of the 25 March - Estonian documentary filmmaker financial sector and avoid the negative external Marianne Kaat was awarded the International influences from decisions made in other countries. Trailblazer award given out by the world’s “It is essential that nations avoid protectionist trade largest international documentary film market. measures in the current economic environment. At the end of February, the world’s largest Trade is part of the solution, not part of the international documentary film market MIPDOC problem,” Paet asserted. announced the seven documentary filmmakers from In talking about Estonia-Sweden relations, the all over the world who had earned an award for their foreign ministers acknowledged that bilateral innovative approach and contribution to relations are very good and active. Paet and Bildt documentary film. agreed that co-operation between the foreign Among the chosen individuals is Estonian ministries has also been very successful. “One of our filmmaker Marianna Kaat, who was nominated for diplomats is working from the Swedish Embassy in the award by the European Documentary Network Cairo. We hope that co-operation like that in Cairo (EDN). continues, as it will serve as a good example of The awards were handed out last weekend at the internal EU co-operation in the future,” said Paet. MIPDOC in Cannes, . In addition, films by the winners were shown during the MIPDOC. Barack Obama Congratulates Estonia on The International Trailblazer awards are being given out for the fourth time and are sponsored by Five Years of NATO Membership the Sundance Channel, National Film Board of 31 March - “The United States is proud to stand Canada, Korean Broadcasting Institute, Al Jazeera shoulder-to-shoulder with Estonia as allies and Documentary Network, and the Australian Film friends,” wrote United States President Barack Institute. Obama in his congratulatory letter to the Estonian head of state. “I extend my heartfelt President of the Republic Accepted congratulations to the people of Estonia on the Credentials from Ambassadors of occasion of the fifth anniversary of your nation’s Morocco, Burkina Faso, Mongolia accession to NATO.” “Your country's contributions to NATO operations 26 March - Today in Kadriorg, President Toomas and its commitment to the values that define our Hendrik Ilves met with the Ambassadors of Alliance are a testament to NATO's ongoing Morocco, Burkina Faso and Mongolia, who transformation and evidence of the enduring presented their credentials to the Head of benefits of NATO's enlargement,” added President State. Obama. Credentials were presented by Mina Tounsi, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco who resides

5 in ; Monique Ilboudo, the Ambassador Ergma Re-elected as Estonian Parliament of Burkina Faso, who resides in Copenhagen, and Speaker Otgon Dambiinyam, the Ambassador of Mongolia, who resides in Warsaw. 26 March (BNS) - The Estonian Parliament re- elected incumbent Ene Ergma as its speaker. The Pro Patria and Res Publica Union (IRL) deputy, who was the sole candidate for the job in the annual election that is conducted by secret ballot, was re-elected by the 101-seat chamber with 74 votes for and 11 against. Nine ballots were declared invalid. Ergma, 65, has been member of the Parliament's board since 2003. She served as speaker from 2003-2006 and was second deputy speaker from 2006-2007. In the 2007 election she was backed by 91 deputies and in 2008 by 83 deputies. The present lineup of the Parliament's board, with Ergma as speaker and (Reform) and Jüri Ratas (Centre) as her deputies, President Ilves accepting the credentials of has been in office since the present Parliament first Ambassador of Burkina Faso Monique Ilboudo convened in April 2007. at Kadriorg, 26 March. New Lennart Meri Stamp Introduced

26 March - Yesterday the Estonian Post and the DOMESTIC NEWS Office of the President introduced a stamp President Ilves Attends Ceremony to dedicated to Lennart Meri, which is the third in Rename after Lennart Meri the series entitled “Estonian Heads of State, 1918-2018”. 29 March - “By naming the Tallinn Airport after President Ilves stated that he is glad to mark the Lennart Meri, we express our respect for the anniversary of the birth of a great figure in Estonian Republic of Estonia, our history and democratic history in this distinguished manner. values,” said President Toomas Hendrik Ilves “We appreciate Lennart Meri as a person who at the ceremony, which took place at midday in was able to lead Estonia back to Europe as an equal Tallinn Airport. and dignified state,” the head of state said. “The honouring and dignified commemoration of Ahti Kallaste, the CEO of Estonian Post, said that one’s history and great figures is part of behaving as stamps are exceptional because they are miniature a nation,” President Ilves said. “I wish to thank works of art that record the events, people, journalist Argo Ideon, who was the first to propose buildings and nature that are important to a country. that the Tallinn Airport be named after Lennart Mart Meri also spoke at the presentation. Meri.” President Ilves and Helle Meri cancelled the first The head of state recalled that Lennart Meri was stamp. a great traveller. He added, “Every traveller wants Stamps of all the Estonian heads of state during to start and end his journey safely and in good the first century of independence will be issued in spirits. Therefore, it is very natural that Tallinn the series entitled “Estonian Heads of State, 1918- Airport be named after a person who enjoyed being 2018” in time for the 100th anniversary of the on the road, meeting different kinds of people and Republic of Estonia. cultures. But who always appreciated coming back Lennart Meri was President of the Republic from home.” 6 June 1992 to 8 October 2001. This week marks

the 80th anniversary of Lennart Meri’s birth. The Lennart Meri stamp, with a nominal value of 5.50 EEK, is printed at the Vaba Maa printing house with a print run of 100 000. The stamp was designed by Lembit Lõhmus.

DEFENCE NEWS Five-Year Anniversary of Estonia’s Accession to NATO 29 March – “Today is the five-year anniversary of the day that the North Atlantic Treaty instruments of ratification for Estonia were deposited at Washington. From this moment The unveiling of the bas relief of Lennart Meri on, Estonia became a full member of NATO,” in the newly renamed Lennart Meri Airport, 29 said Minister of Defence on the March. anniversary.

“Estonia’s membership in NATO shows the trust of Estonia and its people. It is the support of friends that confirms that our choices were right and demonstrates that Estonia has an equal place in the

6 circle of free democratic states that are ready to aid The chief of the cyber defence centre, Lt. Col. each other, even if the price is blood. At the same Ilmar Tamm, spoke to the guest about the centre’s time, it is our responsibility to do everything in our work plan for 2009. power to make sure that Estonia’s contribution to "Constructive and regular co-operation with the the collective security of NATO member states is NATO Communication and Information Systems reliable and serious. For that we need the defined Services Agency is important in order to ensure development of our defence capabilities, to actual input for the development projects of the participate to the extent of our capabilities in joint cyber defence centre from the communication and endeavours, and an adequate and intelligent IT systems and networks at NATO's disposal in the defence policy,” continued Minister of Defence administration of day-to-day cyber incidents," Tamm Aaviksoo. stated. “NATO membership is not the end of history for Topics discussed in more detail were the Estonia. NATO combines the national interests of development of NATO's cyber defence capabilities, countries that are based on freedom, democracy, including the topic of cyber attack countermeasures, our collective historical and civilisational heritage, and the distribution of co-operation in the planning and the need for peace in the North Atlantic region. and conducting of the NATO cyber defence exercise For Estonia, this still means our combined efforts in Cyber Coalition 2009 in November of this year. developing national defence and increasing the Maj. Gen. Ioannou-Sioutas also met with the investments that are needed for it,” said the head of the department for communication and minister of defence. command systems at the Estonian General Staff, “The national defence development plan for Col. Artur Suzik. 2009-2018 that was just adopted is a prerequisite for increasing NATO security and for functioning Terras Meets with US Under Secretary of collective defence. All these undertakings – the Defence Ämari airfield that has to be capable of accepting both transport aircraft and interceptor fighters, the 24 March - Today Permanent Undersecretary of high-tech development of the eyes and ears of the the Ministry of Defence Riho Terras met with Defence Forces, the modernisation of our defence Michèle Flournoy, the US Under Secretary of infrastructure, and the development of the Defence for Policy, at the Pentagon, where necessary military capabilities to protect the lives of they discussed the strategy for Afghanistan the men and women who serve in the Defence and Estonian and US military co-operation in Forces – are part of the transformation and Afghanistan. modernisation of NATO to prepare the Alliance for They decided that it is of the highest importance dealing with security threats in its member states for Afghanistan to make basic services available to and their territories and also abroad. These the population, and a prerequisite for that is an promises are for us all to keep,” said Aaviksoo. improved security environment. It was also agreed Aaviksoo assured that Estonian citizens also that the role of the United Nations as a co-ordinator perceive the feeling of security that NATO provides. has to be widened and its activities extended to the “During the last five years, the support of Estonians whole of Afghanistan. for NATO membership has remained stable at a high Permanent Undersecretary Terras and Under level. According to a public opinion poll from Secretary Flournoy also discussed the possibility of January, 73% of Estonian citizens support our continuing the successful military co-operation membership in NATO. 76% of Estonian citizens between the two countries in Afghanistan. “Estonia believe that the Alliance will support us in the event is making plans for the establishment of a joint of a possible military conflict. Compared to a public training team with the US, the task of which is the opinion poll that was carried out in August last year, training of Afghanistan’s own army. Estonia is also the number of people who believe in the military considering the possibility of contributing to the support of NATO has increased by nine per cent.” security measures for the elections in Afghanistan “Several Estonian families have already paid the this year,” said Permanent Undersecretary Terras. high price for ensuring the security of Estonia, our Questions on NATO’s agenda for the upcoming allies and partners. While celebrating the five year anniversary summit were also discussed at the anniversary of our NATO accession, I have to think meeting. “Collective defence is still the most of all the men and women who lost their lives or important core objective of NATO, and it is also sacrificed their health for Estonia. Your heroism and important to increase NATO’s visibility in the unselfishness are honourable and precious and will member states,” said Terras. be duly remembered. In the name of the Estonian In addition to the meeting with Under Secretary Government, I express our thanks to all the men Flournoy, Permanent Undersecretary Terras will and women who currently serve in the Estonian participate in a series of meetings at the US Defence Forces to protect Estonia’s safety and to all Department of Defence and the US Department of those who engage in the most difficult of tasks on State. foreign missions. Thank you!” said the minister of On Thursday, Terras will meet with Edmond defence. Mulet, the United Nations Assistant Secretary- General for Peacekeeping Operations, with whom he NATO General Visits Estonian Cyber will discuss UN activities in Afghanistan and UN peacekeeping reforms. Defence Centre Terras is accompanied on his visit by Sven 26 March (BNS) - Maj. Gen. Nikolaos Ioannou- Sakkov, the Deputy Undersecretary for Defence Sioutas, deputy chief of the NATO Policy of the Ministry of Defence, by Col. Meelis Kiili, Communication and Information Systems the defence attaché to the US, and by Taimar Services Agency (NCSA) and Chief of Staff of Peterkop, the Estonian Defence Counsellor in the NCSA, visited the NATO Co-operative Centre of US. Excellence in Cyber Defence in Tallinn.

7 Memorial Plaque Dedicated to Jews who nations ranked behind Estonia, with in 35th th Fell in War of Independence place and in 48 . The last country on the list, in 134th place, is 26 March - Minister of Defence Jaak Aaviksoo Chad. said today at the unveiling of the memorial The Global IT Report ranks nations according to plaque dedicated to the Jews who lost their their competitiveness and development in the digital lives in the War of Independence that Estonia realm. appreciates the efforts of all those who fought alongside Estonians during the War of Estonian Air to Launch Berlin, Amsterdam Independence and commemorates all who fell. “The memorial plaque unveiled today Routes in June commemorates the Jewish fighters who laid down 30 March (BNS) - Estonian Air is going to open their lives in the defence of Estonia’s independence. an air route between Tallinn and Amsterdam The ideals of a state of our own and of freedom on 7 June and a route between Tallinn and unified us and brought us closer both during the Berlin on the following day. Estonian War of Independence and during the Return fights to Amsterdam will take place three creation of an independent Jewish state thirty years times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, later, when Estonia had lost its independence. And spokespeople for the airline said. these ideals still unify us today as we stand for the Flights to Berlin's Tegel airport and back will take preservation and continuation of our states,” said place twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays. Minister of Defence Aaviksoo. Fares on both routes start from 1 096 kroons The memorial plaque unveiled today on the wall (EUR 70) for a one-way ticket. of the Tallinn Jewish School carries the names of six Jewish fighters who fell in the Estonian War of A. Le Coq becomes Biggest Brewer in Independence 1918-1920. Over 100 Jews fought in Estonia the War of Independence; one of them, junior non- commissioned officer Boris Kofkin, was bestowed 31 March (BNS) - According to a study by the with the Cross of Liberty 3rd class 2nd rank. market research company AC Nielsen, A.Le Coq The memorial plaque was established by the has become the biggest brewer in Estonia, Jewish Religious Community, the Jewish Community going clearly ahead of all the competing of Estonia and the Tallinn Jewish School. brewers. The market share of A. Le Coq's beers grew by 10% on year in December and January, achieving 41% market share in retail trade, A.Le Coq said. ECONOMIC NEWS The Saku Õlletehas brewery said recently that Skype World’s Largest Provider of according to a study by AC Nielsen, Saku Õlletehas International Calls was the leader of the beer market last year, controlling 45.7% of the market. The market share 27 March - Last year about 33 billion of A.Le Coq was 38.1%. In addition to beer, A.Le international calling minutes were made via Coq also produces waters, fruit juices and soft Skype, or about 8% of all international calls. drinks. The latest analysis by TeleGeography, a company that organises international telecommunications surveys, shows that Skype has become the largest provider of international calls. A total of 417 billion minutes’ worth of international calls were made last year. Skype’s ESTONIAN REVIEW portion of this is 33 billion minutes, or about 8% of (ISSN 1023-1951) all international calls. Is issued by the TeleGeography did not measure the profit earned Press and Information Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the various operators. Skype would certainly not ISLANDI VÄLJAK 1, TALLINN, ESTONIA 15049 rank first by that factor, even though it is the largest TEL +372 637 7600 in terms of minutes used. Skype’s service SkypeOut, FAX +372 637 7617 which requires a small fee, was used for 8 billion Estonian Review is also available over the minutes of calls. internet at http://www.vm.ee While the total amount of international calls grew To subscribe, please contact: [email protected] in 2008 by about 12%, the number of international Estonian Review is compiled in co-operation with calls made using Skype increased by 41%. the Baltic News Service http://www.bns.ee/

Estonia Rose Two Places in Global IT

Report 26 March - Estonia rose two places in the ’s Global IT Report, putting it in 18th place this year. Similarly to last year, the report states that the top nations in the use of information and communication technology are Denmark and Sweden, followed by the United States, Singapore, and Switzerland. Estonia’s northern neighbour Finland ranked in 6th place, while Russia ranks 74th. The other Baltic

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