Estonian Review E E S T I R I N G V A A D E VOLUME 19 NO 9 FEB 25 - MAR 3, 2009

FOREIGN NEWS FOREIGN NEWS Foreign Minister Paet Gives Annual Foreign Policy Address to 26 February - During the annual foreign policy speech in the Riigikogu, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet focused on security-related challenges in international co-operation and ’s contributions in such endeavours. Paet emphasised that Estonia’s foreign policy activities are based upon the principle of spreading democratic values. Foreign Minister Paet stated that the UN, OSCE, NATO, and the Council of Europe are organisations founded on democratic principles that have withstood the test of time. “The most suitable place for discussing the possible improving of the security architecture is the OSCE,” said Prime Minister with Czech Prime Paet. “Solutions for the problems must be found within Minister and President of the European Council the framework of the existing security architecture by Mirek Topolanek in Brussels, 1 March. maximising its various elements. However, it is essential that participants in the existing security structure adhere Prime Minister Ansip: European Union to the agreed upon principles,” Paet added. Must Be Unified In talking about Estonia’s participation in foreign missions, the foreign minister thanked those who 1 March - Prime Minister Andrus Ansip participated on Estonia’s behalf in the Iraq mission which attended the unofficial meeting of the drew to a close this year. “Iraq was the first international European Union heads of state and heads of operation in which Estonian Defence Forces personnel government in Brussels. The main topics under participated in active peace enforcement. It can only be discussion were the financial crisis and its effect on assumed how many attacks and terrorist actions the real economy, the implementation of the European activities of the Estonian units in Iraq prevented, as well Economic Recovery Plan in the member states, as how many lives were saved,” said Paet. The foreign opportunities for increasing the employment rate, minister emphasised Estonia’s desire to develop co- and the preparations for the G20 Summit of the operation with the United States in Afghanistan as well. world’s leading industrial and developing countries. “In the transfer of Estonian military capabilities from Iraq Ansip said that in order to quickly overcome the to Afghanistan, one likely form of co-operation with the economic crisis, Europe must be unified and strong. Americans would be the formation of a joint Embedded “There are no different blocs in Europe,” said Ansip. Training Team,” noted the Estonian foreign minister. “The drawing of lines splits the European Union In his presentation, Paet stated that during this global and, in summary, injures everyone’s interests. The economic crisis nations must continue co-operating in the European Union must act in unison.” name of liberalising trade, avoiding protectionism, and the The prime minister stressed the need to adhere openness of the economy. “Compromises cannot be made to the fundamental principles of the domestic at the expense of security. Physical and economic security market and called on people to avoid protectionism. are two sides of the same coin,” Paet emphasised. He “The adherence to common rules is the prerequisite noted that Estonia is focusing more attention on economic for the functioning of the domestic market,” Ansip diplomacy. “The role of Estonian embassies in promoting stressed. “Estonia supports the steps of the Estonian economic relations abroad has increased in the European Commission for strengthening the financial crisis situation. We have made the solving of the domestic market. Protectionist measures only concerns of Estonian entrepreneurs - both exporters and deepen the crisis and will not help solve it.” investors - our priority, and we believe that we can be of Considering the unofficial nature of the summit, assistance with our knowledge and our advice,” he stated. conventional conclusions were not made. The foreign minister also gave the members of the Riigikogu an overview of Estonia’s contributions to international organisations and development co-operation, QUOTATION OF THE WEEK the European Union’s energy security issues, bilateral co- operation, and protecting the interests of Estonian citizens “Compromises cannot be made at the abroad. expense of security. Physical and economic The full text of the foreign minister’s speech can be security are two sides of the same coin.” found on the Foreign Ministry’s website: Urmas Paet in the annual foreign policy http://www.vm.ee/eng/kat_140/10688.html. address to the Riigikogu

Paet Discusses Israel-Palestine Conflict As of February 2007, the parents of children with with Egyptian Colleague unspecified citizenship are informed when registering the birth of their child that they can 1 March - Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and his apply for Estonian citizenship for their child through Egyptian colleague Ahmed Aboul Gheit, during a simplified process. At the present moment, the their meeting in Cairo, emphasised how Citizenship and Migration Board has contacted all important achieving a strong, lasting and long- 275 parents who have had a child with unspecified term truce agreement is for the resolution of citizenship and the feedback has been very positive. the Israel-Palestine conflict. According to the prime minister, applying for Foreign Minister Urmas Paet recognised Egypt’s citizenship is a very important decision for which a intermediation in finding a resolution to the Israel- person must show some initiative. Palestine conflict. Egyptian Foreign Minister Gheit Knut Vollebaek, the OSCE High Commissioner on stated that the most important thing is to prevent National Minorities, met with Minister of Justice Rein the eruption of more military activity in Gaza. Lang before visiting Stenbock House. Meetings will The Estonian and Egyptian foreign ministers said also be held with the Minister of Population Affairs that the creation of a Palestinian state next to Israel Urve Palo and Members of the Riigikogu Paul-Eerik is the primary goal of the peace process. “The Rummo and Mart Nutt. The High Commissioner will international community must continue to support also visit East-Viru County, where he will meet with the efforts of the Palestinian Authority to create a the county governor Riho Breivel and mayor of unified government. This will create better Narva, Tarmo Tammiste. The Commissioner will also circumstances for continuing the peace process,” visit the Narva College of the . On said Foreign Minister Paet. “Tomorrow’s conference Wednesday, the High Commissioner will meet with for Gaza donors will also help to vitalise the Middle the Minister of Education and Research Tõnis Lukas East peace process,” he added. and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Urmas Paet, with Paet stated that Egypt is an attractive and whom a joint press conference will also be given. interesting travel destination for Estonians, and that nearly 60 000 Estonians visited the country last year. “Considering the number of travellers, we would like to find an honorary consul for the area of Sharm el Shiekh,” Paet noted. Foreign Minister Paet extended an invitation to his Egyptian colleague to visit Estonia. The ministers agreed that signing an agreement for the protection of investments this year would help to enliven economic relations between the two countries. “Reciprocal visits by business delegations would help to advance business relations. We should also look for co-operation opportunities in the information technology and energy sectors,” said Paet. The foreign minister added that an agreement has essentially been reached with Egypt for a Prime Minister Andrus Ansip with OSCE High professor of the Arabic language to begin working at Commissioner on National Minorities Knut Tallinn University. Vollebaek in Stenbock House, 2 March.

Protection of National Minorities a Paet: Economic Crisis Must Not Develop Priority of Government in Estonia Into Political Crisis 2 March - At his meeting with Knut Vollebaek, 27 February - At a meeting with his Lithuanian the OSCE (Organisation for Security and Co- and Latvian colleagues Vygaudas Ušackas and operation in Europe) High Commissioner on Maris Riekstins in Utena, Lithuania, Foreign National Minorities, Prime Minister Andrus Minister Urmas Paet emphasised that security- Ansip said that ensuring the protection of related and economic issues are very closely ethnic minorities and promoting their cultures tied. “During this global economic situation, are priorities for the government. intensifying co-operation between Europe and the According to the prime minister, the government United States is very important in order to prevent has adopted two comprehensive integration the protectionist economic policies arising all over programmes for the years 2000-2007 and 2008- the world,” stated the Estonian foreign minister. 2013 to act on this priority. According to him, the While talking about the NATO foreign ministers number of persons of unspecified citizenship has meeting occurring in Brussels next week, the foreign also been decreasing on a constant basis. “Although ministers agreed that future co-operation of the the tempo has slowed down, the state has Baltic states with the USA will be a main factor in continuously been looking for new ways to speed it the stabilisation of the situation in Afghanistan. up,” said Ansip, stating that the distribution of “Estonia, and Lithuania, alongside their information about applying for citizenship is now European Union partners, can intensify their done on a more individual basis and providing contributions in this endeavour,” said Foreign information to children and adolescents is a Minister Paet. particular focus. Special attention is paid to Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that the first decreasing the number of children with unspecified priority for Estonia is the adoption of the common citizenship. European currency, the euro. “This step would insure our economic stability, but there are also security aspects,” noted Paet. “This is one tool for 91st Anniversary of Estonian Republic fighting against unemployment, making us more Celebrated in Afghanistan attractive to investors because of the stronger euro,” Paet added. 25 February - Estonian workers and Defence The ministers discussed co-operation Forces members stationed in Kabul were able st opportunities in the field of energy, which has to celebrate the 91 anniversary of the become an even more important topic in the light of Republic of Estonia on 24 February. Estonian this year’s energy crises. Paet asserted that it is musician Jaan Tätte gave two concerts in honour of st necessary to create a common Baltic energy market Estonia’s 91 Independence Day. These were also with functioning connections by 2013. “We also need the first Estonian music concerts ever to take place to further develop the energy bridge between the in Afghanistan. A delegation from Afghanistan’s Baltic nations and Sweden and the Visaginas nuclear Parliament and the diplomatic corps also took part in plant project. We are satisfied that the European the celebration. Union economic recovery plan includes support for Charge d’affaires of the Estonian Republic Daniel strengthening energy security,” stated Foreign Schaer said that the contribution of Estonian Minister Paet. “Currently the next step is to become Defence Forces members in Afghanistan to building integrated with the Nordic energy market,” he up the country and stabilising the security situation added. is very important for both Afghans and Estonians. At the invitation of the Lithuanian foreign “These concerts are meant to recognise and thank minister, the foreign ministers also participated in a everyone that has contributed to developing the public debate on the topic “Experiences from five national security of Afghanistan and thereby of years in the European Union and NATO” in the Utena Estonia as well,” the charge d’affaires stated. Schaer Library. added that the concerts are also a chance to introduce Estonian music in Afghanistan. Guests at Estonia to Contribute to Achieving Peace the celebration were offered Estonian foods that are different from everyday Afghan fare. in Palestine Tätte will perform on 27 February in Camp 2 March - At the Gaza Reconstruction Bastion for Estonian, Danish and British soldiers Conference in Sharm el Shiekh, Foreign serving in Helmand Province. The concerts were Minister Urmas Paet emphasised that Estonia made possible by the co-operation of the Foreign remains prepared to contribute to the Ministry, the Estonian Defence Forces, and the establishment of a Palestinian state and the Ministry of Defence. restoration of its economic capabilities. In previous years, Estonian musicians have The main topic at the donors’ conference is performed for Defence Forces members serving in financial support for the reconstruction of Gaza, international operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is essential for the revival of the Middle East Kosovo, and Iraq. peace process, the creation of a Palestinian state, and the assurance of peaceful co-existence between Israel and Palestine. At the conference, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet confirmed that Estonia will donate 1.2 million kroons (100 000 USD) to the reconstruction of Gaza. “The terrible events that took place at the beginning of the year in Gaza have forced the international community to find opportunities to influence the conflicting parties to sign a truce. Without international help it would not be possible to find a solution,” stated the Estonian foreign minister. “The primary goal of the peace process remains the creation of a Palestinian state next to Israel. A compromise must be found that will guarantee

Israel’s security as well as the observance of the Jaan Tätte performing in Kabul, Afghanistan, Palestinian peoples’ political and economic rights,” 24 February. he added. Paet recognised Egypt and the Arab League’s Estonian Ambassador to India Presents efforts in reaching a domestic reconciliation in Palestine, which creates better circumstances for Credentials building up and developing the society of Gaza and 27 February - Estonian Ambassador to the West Bank Palestinians. Republic of India Merike Kokajev presented “Resolving humanitarian problems is the priority her credentials to Indian President Pratibha right now, but it must go hand-in-hand with the Devisingh Patil. Ambassador Merike Kokajev political process for achieving lasting peace. The resides in Estonia. failure of a truce agreement would lead to negative In the discussion that followed the credential consequences not just for the Middle East, but for presenting ceremony, the president and ambassador the wider international community,” Mister Paet talked about the good relations between Estonia and noted in his speech. India. Ambassador Kokajev passed greetings from At the beginning of this year Estonia helped to Estonian President along to alleviate the humanitarian situation in the Gaza the Indian president, along with an invitation to visit sector through the United Nations Relief and Works Estonia. Agency for Palestine (UNRWA) with one million The ambassador and the president agreed that kroons. Estonia-India economic and trade relations contain

3 much untapped potential. “We should intensify Vaba Maa and the circulation is 100 000. The research co-operation and also find opportunities to postage stamp has been designed by the artist enliven business contacts,” stated Ambassador Lembit Lõhmus. Merike Kokajev. She added that Estonian honorary Eesti Post together with the State Chancellery consuls in India have played an important role in presented the new Ants Piip postage stamp on developing bilateral relations. Thursday, 26 February. The event was opened by They also addressed opportunities for further Prime Minister Andrus Ansip. developing tourism. “India is an attractive and The postage stamp can be seen at interesting vacation destination for Estonians,” the http://www.post.ee/px_custom/product_img ambassador remarked. /img_7786.jpg Merike Kokajev was born in 1956 in Tartu and graduated from Leningrad State University with a degree in French language and literature. Kokajev DEFENCE NEWS has worked for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 1991. Ambassador Kokajev has worked in the Ilves: Baltic Defence College Increases protocol department, the embassy in Brussels, and Stability Across Europe Estonia’s permanent representations in Geneva and 27 February (BNS) - The Baltic Defence College the UN. From 2005-2007, Kokajev was a member of helps increase stability in Europe's the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. neighbourhood, Estonia's President Toomas Kokajev speaks English, Russian and French. Hendrik Ilves said today. "As we have received and are still receiving help President of the Republic Accepts and support from others, so has the Baltic Defence Credentials from Ambassador of College become an educational institution where Kazakhstan officers from NATO candidate and partner countries can study," Ilves said at a celebration marking the 27 February - President Toomas Hendrik Ilves 10th anniversary of the college. "This is our met with the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to contribution to creating a belt of stability and Estonia, Galymzhan Koishybayev, who security around Europe." presented his authorisation documents to the Ilves said BALTDEFCOL has in ten years become head of state. an essential part of the education of Estonian, President Ilves and Ambassador Koishybayev Latvian and Lithuanian officers. emphasised the good relations between Estonia and "I hope that our Defence Forces will soon be led Kazakhstan and discussed opportunities for by someone who has graduated from precisely this extending the development of economic relations, educational institution," he added. including the co-operation between companies in the The head of state thanked all our allies in NATO field of transit. The President of the Republic and the European Union who helped create and stressed the importance of the construction of the develop BALTDEFCOL, where around 450 officers Trans-Caspian gas pipeline, which will enable from the three Baltic states have pursued their Central Asian gas to be exported to Europe via the studies to date. Nabucco gas pipeline. The anniversary celebration was attended by President Ilves also confirmed Estonia's Latvian President Valdis Zatlers as well as Baltic willingness to share its experience with Kazakhstan defence ministers and armed forces commanders. in the fields of IT and e-government. Kazakh Ambassador Galymzhan Koishybayev Baltic States to Practice the Hosting of resides in Vilnius. Allied Forces in Tartu 27 February - A five-day Host Nation Support DOMESTIC NEWS (HNS) training of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania entitled “Baltic Host 2009”, which involves New Stamp in Estonian Heads of State practicing the hosting of allied forces in the Series Produced Baltic states, will take place next week in 25 February - On 26 February, Eesti Post and Tartu. the State Chancellery presented the postage This is the largest Host Nation Support training in stamp dedicated to the Head of State Ants Piip, the Baltic states to date. Planning for the training which is the second stamp in the series “Heads began in autumn 2007. of state of the Republic of Estonia 1918-2018”. The purpose of the staff practice, which will take In the course of the “Heads of state of the place in the Simulation Centre of the Estonian Republic of Estonia 1918-2018” series, by the 100th National Defence College, is to practice the co- anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, postage operation required for Host Nation Support between stamps will have been issued for all Estonian heads the Baltic states and on a national level. The defence of state in the first century of independence. ministries and defence forces of Estonia, Latvia and Ants Piip was prime minister from 26 October Lithuania will take part in “Baltic Host 2009”. 1920 – 20 December 1920 and head of state from Specialists from the Ministry of the Interior, Ministry 20 December 1920 – 25 January 1921. This week, of Economic Affairs and Communications, Ministry of 125 years will have passed from the birth of Ants Social Affairs and other civilian institutions with their Piip. In addition to the postage stamp, the respective specialists will participate in the practicing anniversary will also be celebrated at Maarjamäe team. Castle and Tartu City Museum with exhibitions and According to Minister of Defence Jaak Aaviksoo, various events. co-operation in the field of Host Nation Support The Ants Piip postage stamp, with a face value of serves as one of the cornerstones of the Estonian EEK 5.50, has been printed at the printing house security system. “The practice will help to establish a network between the allies and different agencies

4 in Estonia and the Baltic states, which is necessary Second Lieutenant’s rank. The official study period to ensure the smooth hosting of the allied forces, for the Basic Officer Training Course in the Military should it really be necessary one day,” the minister Academy of the ENDC is three years in the Army of defence said. field of study and three years in the Air Force field of According to the proposed scenario, the hosting study, the latter being launched in co-operation with of the allied forces will be organised in accordance the Aviation Academy. with peace-time legislation. As is appropriate for a After some years of service, the graduates of the NATO training, the “Baltic Host 2009” scenario will course may continue their studies in the Advanced be based on imaginary states and situations. Officer Training Course – level two of military higher During the practice, the role of the allied forces education; the graduates will receive the preparation will be played by the US, Polish and British officers of a company commander and junior staff officer of Strike Force NATO, located in Naples, and also the and a master’s degree in the social sciences. The USA European Command (EUCOM) officers. This is ENDC also runs a number of in-service and speciality the first KNS-training of the Baltic states, Strike training courses. Force NATO and EUCOM. In the future, similar trainings will be organised on a regular basis to improve the co-operation among the allied nations in our region. ECONOMIC NEWS Profit of Port of Tallinn Climbs to 26.65 Military School Masters’ Candidates Visit Million EUR Ministry of Defence 27 February (BNS) - The Estonian state-owned port company Port of Tallinn earned a net 27 February - The Advanced Officer Training profit of 417 million kroons (EUR 26.65 mln) in Course masters’ candidates visited the Ministry 2008, 81 million kroons or about 20% more of Defence today and met with the than in 2007. management of the ministry. Consolidated sales during the year totaled 1.17 The Advanced Officer Training Course students of billion kroons, 0.6% more than in 2007. Operating the Estonian National Defence College (ENDC), who profit dropped 4% to 452 million kroons. are to graduate this spring, met with Minister of The number of passengers passing through the Defence Jaak Aaviksoo, Permanent Undersecretary ports of Port of Tallinn reached a record level both Riho Terras, Deputy Undersecretary for Defence as regards regular line and cruise passengers, the Policy Sven Sakkov, Deputy Undersecretary for company said. Defence Planning Major Captain Lauri Tummi, and The number of passengers travelling through the Deputy Undersecretary for Defence Resources ports was a record-breaking 7.25 million, increasing Martin Hurt. by almost 730 000 passengers or 11% year on year. In his meeting with the masters’ candidates, the In absolute terms, the number of passengers minister of defence said that according to the increased the most on the Tallinn-Helsinki line, the experts, the formation of a national officers’ largest line for the port company, where it soared by community may take as long as twenty-five years. 570 000 passengers or 10%. “It also seems to me that in Estonia it may take The factors that contributed to the growth in the some time before the officers will be treated as a number of passengers included Estonia's joining the natural part of the clerisy, as is common in countries Schengen visa zone in December 2007, ongoing with long-term military traditions,” Minister Aaviksoo upgrading of line vessels together with special offers said. being made available to passengers, and, as far as According to Aaviksoo, both the Defence Forces cruise traffic is concerned, the Baltic Sea's becoming and the ENDC must take the necessary steps to one of the fastest growing cruise regions in the achieve a high social reputation for officers. “We world, Port of Tallinn said. need to consider the more intensive involvement of The cargo volume passing through the ports of people who have acquired higher education into the Port of Tallinn decreased by 7 million tonnes or 19% officers’ community – this would make the career to 29 million tonnes in 2008. The decrease followed system of officers more flexible and open. If the a steep drop that had occurred in mid-2007, relevant mechanisms are successfully implemented subsequent to which the cargo volume has been in other countries, it should not be impossible to find relatively stable. similar solutions in Estonia,” the minister of defence The chairman of the supervisory board of the noted. port company, Neinar Seli, said that the The masters’ candidates visited the Ministry of preservation of the company's revenue base and Defence within the framework of the course increased profit despite the decline in cargo volumes “Management and Administration of Peace-time show the company's ability to bring down risks Units”, which provides the students with an overview related to the changes in market situation and of the management and administration of peace- fruitful work of the management in making the time training centres. The work of the General Staff company more efficient. of the Defence Forces, army services and the other In total 29 million tonnes of goods passed power structures of Estonia is also introduced within through the ports of the Port of Tallinn group during the framework of the subject. the year, which is 19% less than in 2007. The Estonian National Defence College is the only A decrease together with major changes occurred national defence institute of higher education that again in the volumes of bulk cargo and liquid cargo. prepares well-educated and professional officers who Liquid cargo still accounted for 71% of total cargo will ensure the security and independence of the volume. state of Estonia. The Basic Officer Training Course of In a breakdown by direction, transit made up the Estonian National Defence College gives the 77%, export 11% and import 12% of cargo flow. students basic officers’ skills and applied higher education in the speciality of military command and

5 Costs related to the main activity of Port of Starman's net profit in the whole of 2008 was up Tallinn totaled 717 million kroons, marking an 4.7% year on year at 39.2 million kroons. annual increase of 4%. Twelve-month sales went up 26.4% to 353.8 Investments in new and existing infrastructure million kroons. during the year totaled 560 million kroons, which is 293 million kroons less than in 2007. Most of the Wage Growth Highest in Remote Counties investments -- 360 million kroons or almost two- 25 February (BNS) - Average wages and salaries thirds of the total volume of investments -- were grew at the fastest rate in East Viru County in made to build new quays and hinterland area. northeastern Estonia and in Võru County in the

country's southeastern corner in the final Kalev Adopts Luterma as New Business quarter of 2008, it appears from figures Name released by Statistics Estonia. 26 February (BNS) - The listed Estonian food and The annual rates of increase in the two countries real estate group AS Kalev has adopted AS were by 14.71% to 10 699 kroons (EUR 684) a Luterma as its new business name. month in East-Viru and by 13.97% to 10 816 kroons The extraordinary general meeting of a month in Võru County. shareholders that endorsed the change also Saaremaa, the westernmost county of Estonia, approved corresponding amendments in the statutes and Jõgeva in south-central Estonia saw the smallest of association, Kalev told the stock exchange. rates of increase, or respectively by 1.33% to At Thursday's general meeting 85.43% of the 11 093 kroons and by 1.36% to 10 408 kroons. company's registered capital was represented. Tallinn boasted the highest average monthly Oliver Kruuda, the majority shareholder of Kalev, wages and salaries, with the figure climbing 5.77% has previously said the name change arises from the year on year to 14 805 kroons. wish to leave the name Kalev fully to the confectionery factory that is part of the Kalev group. Sales of Ekspress Grupp Climb 15 Percent AS Kalev earlier this week filed for delisting from in 2008 the Tallinn stock exchange. 26 February (BNS) - Sales revenue of the

Estonian media group Ekspress Grupp in 2008 Ergo Group Insurers in Baltics Boost totalled 1.32 billion kroons (EUR 84.3 mln), Profit by 18 Percent which is 15% more than in the year before. 25 February (BNS) - Insurance companies of the Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and Ergo group in the Baltic countries earned a amortisation increased by 13% to 175.8 million profit of 202 million kroons (EUR 12.9 mln) kroons, Ekspress Grupp said in a disclosure to the last year, 18% more than in 2007. stock exchange. Contributing 130 millon kroons, the Ergo life and non-life insurers in Estonia accounted for two thirds of the profit of Ergo's Baltic operations, Ergo said. The insurer said in its annual report that life, damage and health insurance premiums in the Baltic states grew by 12% year on year in 2008. ESTONIAN REVIEW With a market share of 14%, Ergo climbed to the (ISSN 1023-1951) second position among insurers in the Baltics by the Is issued by the end of 2008 after RSA (Codan) Group, coming Press and Information Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs ahead of the life and non-life insurers of Sampo ISLANDI VÄLJAK 1, TALLINN, ESTONIA 15049 Group. TEL +372 637 7600 Ergo's Estonian non-life insurer, Ergo Kindlustuse FAX +372 637 7617 AS, saw premiums slide by 0.8% year on year to Estonian Review is also available over the 924 million kroons. internet at http://www.vm.ee The profit of Ergo Kindlustus in 2008 totaled 125 To subscribe, please contact: [email protected] million kroons and the company continues in the Estonian Review is compiled in co-operation with number two position on the Estonian non-life market the Baltic News Service http://www.bns.ee/ with a market share of 21.8%. The CEO of Ergo's Baltic operations, Kestutis Bagdonavicius, described the Baltic states as engines for Ergo Insurance Group's growth in 2008. Net premiums of Ergo's Baltic insurance operations in 2008 totalled three billion kroons.

Starman’s Q4 Profit Up 72 Percent 27 February (BNS) - The Estonian telecom operator AS Starman has posted a net profit of 13.8 million kroons (EUR 0.88 mln) for the final quarter of 2008, a nearly 72% increase over the figure for the same three months of 2007. Sales in the fourth quarter climbed nearly 30% in comparison with the same period in 2007 to 96.4 million kroons.

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