Estonian Review E E S T I R I N G V A A D E VOLUME 19 NO 8 FEB 18 - 24, 2009

91ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE REPUBLIC OF

President and Mrs. Evelin Ilves hosted a formal reception on 24 February.

President Ilves: Estonians Need Solidarity in This Difficult Time 24 February - In his Independence Day speech, President Toomas Hendrik Ilves called upon the Estonian public to understand the nature and reasons for the crisis that has shaken the global and Estonian economies. He encouraged everyone to strive to overcome these difficult times together and not to look for culprits. "We are in a crisis that is largely out of our control," President Ilves acknowledged in his speech at the Jõhvi Concert Hall on the occasion of the 91st anniversary of Estonia's independence. "The situation in Estonia, and in the countries where the banks active in Estonia have their headquarters, has passed the point where someone or something could be blamed for what has happened." President Ilves spoke about his own responsibility and that of the citizenry, government, parliament, opposition and entrepreneurs. He also called upon everyone to shoulder the responsibility for what has happened together instead of placing blame, since it will then be easier to make a common effort and change our attitude. According to the head of state, the negative supplementary budget, with all its faults, was inevitable and predicted that we have not seen the last of such budget cuts. "Therefore I wish that those least affected by these cuts would not concentrate on their losses, but would realise that others have suffered more," President Ilves said. Ilves called upon the government and the parliament to preserve the credibility of our financial policy and the foundations of a democratic country. "Economic decline cannot suspend the Estonian Constitution," the head of state declared, calling on the coalition and opposition to conduct a full and open debate for drafting next year's budget. The absence of an open debate involving all of society can amplify the disappointment in Estonian democracy and the institutions upholding it, warned President Ilves. Democracy is one of the first victims of crises, because that is when democracy suffers due to populism. The President said that Estonia first and foremost needs solidarity and the realisation that we cannot manage without the support of others. President Ilves called upon the Estonian people to see solidarity as a way to pay our debt for Estonia's independence and statehood, which, despite the current crisis, has allowed us to live in a manner that one dared only dream about half a century ago. "This is the time to realise that we have confused the freedom to consume with the freedom to decide in favour of human values. The sum of our quality of life is composed of intellectual values, rich human relations, a healthy lifestyle, happy children and strong feelings of fellowship. This is where we must invest our time, intelligence, emotions and will," stated President Ilves at the formal concert to mark the 91st anniversary of the Republic of Estonia. (The full text of the president’s speech can be found at www.president.ee/en.)

FOREIGN NEWS ambitious partnership with our neighbours to date. The partnership is also a security guarantee for all Paet: European Economic Recovery Plan those involved,” said Paet. Also Tied to Energy Security 23 February - Foreign Minister Georgian Parliament Speaker Discusses participated in a session of the Affairs Country’s Developments and External Relations Council (GAERC) in Brussels. 19 February - Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and In the general affairs session, the foreign policy Speaker of the Georgian Parliament David leaders of the discussed the Bakradze had a meeting in , during implementation of the European economic recovery which they emphasised that international plan that was approved in the European Council in monitoring missions must be guaranteed December 2008. They addressed the projects that access to all parts of Georgia’s territory. “The the European Commission proposed should receive role of an international presence in Georgia and an additional 5 million EUR investment in order to access to Georgia’s entire territory are extremely create important energy connections, develop valuable for stabilising the region,” said Paet. internet infrastructure in all rural areas of the EU, Paet stated that Estonia is an active supporter of and address the new challenges of rural life. Foreign visa facilitation and free trade agreements with Minister Paet stated that the proposed projects are Georgia. “The European Union should conclude a well-balanced among various sectors and regions. visa facilitation agreement with Georgia as soon as “The prioritised and potential energy connection possible,” emphasised the foreign minister. Paet projects to be funded, including Estlink-2, pointed out that it is illogical that Russian citizens significantly strengthen the network connections of living in Abkhazia and South Ossetia have the the whole Baltic region in terms of both gas and opportunity for simplified travel to the European electrical connections,” Paet noted. “The criteria for Union, but Georgian citizens do not. choosing projects should not underestimate the While speaking about Georgia and NATO, Foreign importance of increasing energy security,” Paet Minister Urmas Paet noted that Georgia has shown a added. clear desire to continue fulfilling its responsibility to The European Union foreign ministers confirmed reform the nation. “Georgia must continue that 2009 will be a decisive year for Afghanistan’s implementing democratic reforms. Estonia supports reconstruction and democratic development because all the political powers in Georgia that are helping of the presidential and municipal elections taking the nation’s development,” Paet said. Bakradze place in August. stated that the country is making efforts to continue Foreign Minister Paet stated that developments in the development of the civil society in the conditions Afghanistan this year will also be affected by the of the current economic depression. The government new administration of the United States that came has cut the budget, but the expenses in the field of into office. “We must intensify co-operation between education and social affairs are still increasing. The the EU and the USA, in terms of both policies and government is also engaged in a plan to enliven the concrete activities,” said Foreign Minister Paet. “This economy, which mainly prescribes investments in should be a priority on the agenda of EU-USA infrastructure. meetings within the framework of transatlantic “Estonia consistently supports Georgia’s dialogue,” Paet elaborated. Paet stated that it is democratic development and the development of important that new opportunities to guarantee state institutions. We are ready to organise seminars security will be utilised. The European Union Police for Georgian officials within the framework of Mission (EUPOL) has become more and more visible development co-operation on topics of interest, such in Afghanistan, which is why the European Union as European Union integration,” Paet added. should fulfil its promise to double its mission. Parliament Speaker David Bakradze also met Estonia plans to contribute a rule of law expert in with President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, Speaker of the addition to the police experts that are currently in Ene Ergma, and Prime Minister Andrus the mission. Ansip. During his meeting, Prime Minister Ansip The EU foreign ministers also analysed the stated that what happened last year in August was a content and sticking points of the European tragedy. “Estonia did and will continue to support Neighbourhood Policy Eastern Dimension in order to the territorial integrity of Georgia,” he stressed. advance the conception of Eastern Partnership so that it could be approved at the spring Council. Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that the communication on strengthening Eastern Partnership given last December in a good basis for developing concrete and long-term policies for drawing target countries closer to the European Union. “It is important not to dilute measures aimed towards Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Belarus in the Eastern Partnership packet,” said Foreign Minister Paet. “Concluding association agreements, facilitating visa policies, having tighter economic integration and creating profound free trade agreements which have the Prime Minister with Georgian ultimate goal of a free trade zone including the EU Parliament Speaker David Bakradze, 19 and the target countries are marks of the most February Paet Discusses Adoption of Euro with In order for the reconstruction of Afghanistan to Latvian Counterpart be successful, close co-operation in the field of medicine is needed. “The people of Helmand 18 February - Foreign Minister Urmas Paet met province need a normally functioning living with his colleague Māris Riekstiņš, Latvian environment that includes basic health care President Valdis Zatlers, and speaker of the services,” said Argo Parts. The primary job of the Seim Gundars Daudze in Riga. They discussed Estonian health care expert is to co-ordinate the bilateral relations, matters of energy and security creation of a network of medical facilities, policy, Eastern Partnership, relations with Russia, emergency services, and other aspects of the health efforts to alleviate the effects of the economic crisis, care realm. and regional co-operation. MTÜ Mondo member Anu Raisma has long-term At his meeting with the Latvian foreign minister, experience working in the health care sector and has Paet introduced Estonia’s endeavours to join the participated in missions in various crisis regions, Euro-zone. “Adopting the euro is very important including Indonesia and Pakistan, under the auspices with regards to increasing security, as it will of the Estonian Disaster Relief Team. Raisma has influence not just financial security, but also security been a member of the Disaster Relief Team since in Estonia and the Baltic region as a whole,” said 1999. Paet. “For Estonia, the earliest possible time to join An Estonian health care expert has been working the Euro-zone is 2011,” Paet added, describing in the city of Lashkar Gah´ in Helmand province Estonia’s goals. since March 2008, carrying out Estonian At his meeting with the president of , Paet development co-operation projects on site and brought up the subject of the Estonian school in consulting for the leadership of the UK Provincial Riga. The foreign minister expressed hope that the Reconstruction Team and the Helmand provincial school would develop more successfully than it has government on the development of the health care to date. “Estonia has helped the Estonian school in system. Riga with teaching materials and sent teachers to In 2007, Estonia supported Helmand’s central the school,” said Paet, emphasising the importance hospital (Bost Hospital) with 1.1 million kroons, of the school to Estonia. “Hopefully the problems which were used to purchase portable oxygen associated with renovating the school building and generators and warming beds for underweight and constructing a gymnasium will also be resolved premature infants. At the beginning of 2008, Estonia soon. For this, Estonia hopes to have the support helped Bost Hospital procure diesel fuel for its and co-operation of the city government of Riga and electric generators so that they were able to light the Latvian Ministry of Education and Research,” and heat the hospital rooms, as well as keep medical Paet added. equipment running. At the end of last year Estonia They also spoke about the creation of a new helped Helmand’s central hospital obtain medical embassy building in Riga. Foreign Minister Urmas equipment valuing 2.9 million kroons, which allowed Paet said that the process to construct Estonia’s new the hospital to implement a medical oxygen delivery building continues. “Currently the Foreign Ministry is system in its operation and intensive care wing and concluding a design agreement with the architects, also brought the hospital’s equipment up to the after which we will arrange a building procurement standard required by the Health Care Ministry of and the actual building of the embassy will begin,” Afghanistan. the foreign minister explained. Another topic addressed was energy security. President of Europe’s Court of First They emphasised that in order to strengthen the European Union’s energy security and create a Instance Visits Tallinn common energy policy with regards to third 20 February - Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and countries, it is necessary to have a functioning and President of Europe’s Court of First Instance sufficiently connected internal energy market. They Marc Jaeger discussed legal system reform also stressed the importance of the Baltic region’s during their meeting in Tallinn. “Every member energy security and the creation of a unified Nordic- state must retain the right to effectively give input Baltic energy market. “In order to be creating a in legal proceedings,” said Foreign Minister Paet. common Nordic-Baltic energy market by the year Paet stated that it is important for Estonia that in 2013, we must move forward quickly with the items the European Union, where the principle of agreed upon at the meeting of the Baltic prime conclusive force applies, all countries are guaranteed minister on 21 November 2008 in ,” noted the opportunity to protect their rights. Foreign Minister Paet. They also spent time discussing further In addition to his meetings with Latvian President developments in the court system and how to Valdis Zatlers, speaker of the Seim Gundars Daudze improve its effectiveness. Foreign Minister Urmas and Foreign Minister Māris Riekstiņš, Urmas Paet Paet said that it is important for Estonia judges to be also laid flowers on the base of the Freedom represented in various courts. “This would give us Monument and visited the Riga Estonian School and the chance to participate more effectively in court the Latvian Occupation Museum. proceedings,” he added. Europe’s Court of First Instance was established New Health Care Expert to Be Sent to in 1989 and belongs to the Court of Justice of the Afghanistan European Communities along with the European Court of Justice and the Civil Service Tribunal. The 18 February - The Estonian health care expert goals of the Court of First Instance are to reduce the co-ordinating development co-operation in workload of the Court of Justice, help implement a Helmand province in Afghanistan will change common market, and improve legal protection in the at the end of February. Dr. Argo Parts, who has European Union. been in Afghanistan as part of the mission for one year, will be replaced for half a year by Anu Raisma.

3 First Estonian Honorary Consulate Begins it is inherent in Estonians to survive the hard times,” Work in Kenya said the prime minister.

20 February - The first Estonian Honorary Estonian-Latvian and Latvian-Estonian Consulate in the Republic of Kenya began work in Nairobi on Friday, 20 February. Estonia’s first Translation Award Established honorary consul in the Republic of Kenya is Kadri 18 February - Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Humal-Ayal. Paet and Latvian Foreign Minister Māris The honorary consulate will be opened by Riekstiņš signed an agreement that established Minister for the Environment Jaanus Tamkivi and the an Estonian-Latvian and Latvian-Estonian director of the Foreign Ministry’s division for Africa, translation award. the Near East, Middle East and Latin America Jüri Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that the Kahn. translation award demonstrates the extremely good The Estonian Honorary Consulate in Kenya is relations between the ministries of Estonia and located at the address: Terrace Close, Westlands, Latvia. “We would like for the translation award to Nairobi, Kenya. express the value of works that have already been The honorary consulate can be reached at the translated and inspire young Estonian-Latvian and phone numbers +254 733 730068 and +254 20 Latvian-Estonian translators,” said Foreign Minister 2420880. Urmas Paet. “The translation award, which is being Estonian Honorary Consul in Kenya Kadri Humal- financed by the foreign ministries of Estonia and Ayal was born in 1971 in Tartu. She studied Latvia together, is a unique but positive precedent in sociology at the University of Helsinki and the work of both ministries. Many thanks to the supplement her studies in the field of public and ambassadors who initiated this award,” the foreign media relations. Kadri Humal-Ayal is an minister added as he signed the agreement. entrepreneur in Kenya. The honorary consul speaks The Estonian-Latvian and Latvian-Estonian Estonian, English, Finnish, and Swahili. translation award emphasises the importance of the Estonian and Latvian languages as well as cultural Prime Minister Ansip Thanked Estonian exchange in order to advance the professionalism of Community Abroad translators of literature as well as political, popular science, historical, sociological, memoirs and other 21 February - Prime Minister Andrus Ansip texts. The award is scheduled to be announced celebrated the 91st anniversary of the Republic every year on Christmas Eve and will be given out in of Estonia together with Estonians living in either Riga or Tallinn, as the winner will also . During the speech he gave at the festive alternate between translators of Estonian and ceremony at Immanuel’s Church, the prime minister Latvian. thanked the Estonian community abroad for their The monetary value of the award is 3 000 euros, dedication and the work they have done for the to which both sides are contributing equally. The Republic of Estonia over many decades. jury will be brought together each year on an ex “Without the active Estonian community abroad, officio basis—it will contain the ambassadors of the including in Sweden, the restoration of our two nations, the heads of the cultural departments independence on the basis of legal continuity would of the two foreign ministries, and the directors of have been impossible. Thanks to you, our state each nation’s literature information centre. continued and Estonia remained on the map The idea to establish the award came from regardless of everything. Thanks to you, there was Estonian Ambassador to Latvia Jaak Jõerüüt and hope of freedom even during the darkest times,” Latvian Ambassador to Estonia Kārlis Eihenbaums, said Ansip. who at the end of 2008 sent a joint letter to the The prime minister was hopeful that the actions foreign minister of each country in order to turn of the community in favour of the Estonian state will their idea into a reality. continue in the future as well and that the interest towards Estonia will continue and increase. According to the head of government, the most can still be done in Estonia. “I confirm that everyone is DOMESTIC NEWS welcome back to the fatherland of their parents or President of the Republic Presented State themselves,” said Ansip. Decorations In his speech, the prime minister also gave an 23 February - On the eve of the 91st anniversary overview of the prospects of the country in the of the Republic of Estonia, President Toomas current economic situation. When speaking about Hendrik Ilves presented the state decorations the steps Estonia has taken to enliven the economy, at Kadriorg Art Museum. Decorations are Ansip stressed the role of Swedish companies in the conferred in order to thank and recognise people Estonian economy. The prime minister said that who have maintained, promoted and safeguarded there is still plenty of reason to invest in Estonia. Estonia's independence. This year the head of state “The Estonian labour force is still cheaper than that bestowed decorations on 97 people. of Sweden. The decrease of production capacities Upon presenting the decorations, President Ilves forces every company to be as cost-efficient as said: "A state decoration denotes Estonia’s highest possible. Estonia can have a chance here,” said recognition. It is the most eloquent expression of Ansip. our gratitude to those who have done more for our According to the prime minister, the situation in country than required by their profession. which Estonia finds itself today is difficult, but It is a token of gratitude for your commitment, self- cannot be compared with the hard times of the realisation and courage. You have made Estonia previous century. “As Jaan Männik, the Chairman of solid, given Estonia substance. You have been true the Supervisory Board of the Bank of Estonia, who to human values, realised that we need to have was born and raised in Sweden, has pointedly said –

4 more fellow feeling, given more consideration to DEFENCE NEWS each others’ joys and sorrows. Stage Parade on I feel truly privileged to stand before you today, my fellow countrymen and dear friends from abroad. Peetri Square in Narva You do not have much in common when background and experience are concerned. Yet you share a common consideration for those around you and the desire to make the world better. Consideration and commitment are especially important today, when we can see so much uncertainty and confusion around us. We must not surrender to our troubles, but face them with clear eyes and a peaceful mind. For this, we need a strong mind and a firm spirit. If we cast aside ethical values and try to get by with guile and greed, we are bound to lose our way, to lose our freedom and the paths open to free people. It is by spiritual strength that freedom is best protected. And you have that strength, as your lives amply prove. Your lives will be entwined into the history of Estonia Commander of the Defence Forces Ants and Estonia’s friends. They will be entwined into the Laaneots and President of the Republic of history of our country with all its joys and sorrows; Estonia Toomas Hendrik Ilves during the and your actions, your choices, your work will make Defence Forces parade in Narva, 24 February. beautiful chapters in that history. Your determination and steadfast actions set an example 24 February (BNS) - There were 755 members of to all of us; you have contributed to a better the Estonian Defence Forces, the paramilitary Estonia. Defence League, border guards and reservists I thank you, for because of you we have a wiser, lined up in Peetri Square in the Estonian border greater, better and more considerate Estonia. town of Narva for the Independence Day Congratulations upon your distinguished parade on 24 February. decorations, congratulations also on the 91st The parade, under the command of Lt. Gen. Ants anniversary of the Republic of Estonia. You have Laaneots, Commander of the Estonian Defence the gratitude and esteem of the people of Estonia." Forces, started at 11 a.m. and it was received by President Toomas Hendrik Ilves. The infantry company of the took part in the parade on 16 Pasi armoured personnel carriers, the artillery battalion demonstrated its battery of 122 and 155 mm howitzers, while the Anti-aircraft Battalion was represented with 23 mm AA-guns and a battery of Mistral AA missile systems. In addition to its infantry company, men of the Viru Infantry Battalion took part in the parade with its Mapats and Milan antitank rocket systems. From the Kuperjanov Infantry Battalion there was a battery of 120 mm mortars in the parade in addition to its infantry company. Two weapons systems -- the anti-aircraft system Mapats and 122 mm howitzers bought from -- were displayed in the parade for the first time. Decoration recipients Olympic champion Gerd A large crowd of local residents had gathered to Kanter and President of the European watch the parade and the military hardware Commission José Manuel Barroso along with remained on display in the parking lot in front of the Mrs. Evelin Ilves at the state decorations Geneva cultural centre in Narva until 2 p.m. ceremony, 23 February. © European Communities, 2009 Aaviksoo Bestows Defence Ministry President Appoints Hanno Pevkur Minister Decorations of Social Affairs 23 February - At a special ceremony held in the 20 February - President Toomas Hendrik Ilves Ministry of Defence to celebrate the signed a resolution today to appoint Hanno anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, Minister Pevkur Minister of Social Affairs as of 23 of Defence Jaak Aaviksoo awarded the February and to release Maret Maripuu from decorations of the Ministry of Defence, which this position. are bestowed for successful endeavours in The head of state met beforehand with prime enhancing Estonia’s national defence. minister Andrus Ansip and Hanno Pevkur, the At the special ceremony, the minister explained candidate for minister, to discuss problems in the that Estonians have every reason to remember all of minister of social affairs’ area of governance. their fellow countrymen who fought for the Republic of Estonia in the War of Independence and other wars. “The Estonian Defence Force members, who today are far away from home, stand for the state of Estonia and are worthy of remembering today,” the defence minister said.

5 "Today, as we bestow the Ministry of Defence Minister of Defence Aaviksoo participated in an decorations, we wish to thank and acknowledge informal meeting of NATO defence ministers in these men and women who today contribute to the Krakow. The future of the NATO Response Force development of Estonia’s national defence, on the (NRF), the planned structural reforms of NATO and 91st anniversary of the Republic of Estonia,” ongoing international operations will be the main Aaviksoo said. topics for discussion at the meeting. The first class of the Cross of Merit of the Ministry The Commander of the Defence Forces, of Defence was bestowed on the Advisor of the Lieutenant-General Ants Laaneots, the Estonian Ministry of Defence, Johannes Ambassador to NATO Jüri Luik, and the Deputy Kert, for his long-term contribution to the Undersecretary for Defence Policy Sven Sakkov will development of Estonia’s national defence and the accompany the minister of defence to the meeting. establishment of the NATO Centre of Excellence for Co-operative Cyber Defence. 1st Infantry Brigade to Be Affiliated with The Cross of Merit of the Ministry of Defence was Danish Division instituted on 24 February 1998 as an order that is comprised of three classes. The first class of the 20 February - Within the framework of the order is awarded to give recognition to special meeting of NATO defence ministers in Krakow, services rendered for the defence of the Republic of Estonian Minister of Defence Jaak Aaviksoo Estonia or for the development and consolidation of and Minister of Defence of Denmark Søren Estonia’s national defence structures. This award Gade signed a Letter of Intent that affiliates was bestowed on the former Minister of Defence Ülo the 1st Infantry Brigade of the Estonian Uluots post mortem. Defence Forces with the Danish Division. In 2004, the highest decoration of the Ministry of The affiliation of the Estonian Infantry Brigade Defence was bestowed on President Lennart Meri, with the Danish Division would contribute to creating Siim Kallas, , Jüri Luik, and Margus Kolga a closer link with higher units, organising training in for their tireless contributions in ensuring Estonia’s line with NATO standards, and issuing guidelines for integration into NATO. In 2005, this award was the development of the brigade’s staff and units. bestowed on Brigadier General Märt Tiru and in Also, Estonian staff officers would gain operative 2007 to the former Minister of Defence Jürgen Ligi. planning experiences within the units, higher than a Additional information on MOD decorations can brigade, which would otherwise be quite difficult to be found at: achieve for Estonia. http://www.kmin.ee/?op=body&id=542 Affiliation of the brigade with the Danish Division would not mean, however, that the Brigade would Aaviksoo Met with US Secretary of be transferred under Denmark’s line of command; instead, this would be an affiliation for training Defence purposes, resulting in full co-operational capability 19 February - Delegations led by Minister of of the staffs and units of the two countries Defence Jaak Aaviksoo and his US colleague concerned, and also providing them with the Robert Gates met in Krakow to discuss the capacity for launching joint operations. future of bilateral military co-operation. The staff of the Danish Division will also form a According to Minister of Defence Jaak Aaviksoo, command element of the NATO Response Forces the five and a half year co-operation between unit NRF-14 in 2010. The joint infantry battalion of Estonia and the USA in Iraq was exceptionally useful the Baltic states is also forming a part of the troops. for both security policy and for purely military A Danish advisory team is operating in Estonia, reasons. “Therefore, Estonia is looking for Latvia and Lithuania within the framework of the continued, close bilateral co-operation with the USA Brigades Project of the Baltic states, where in in future military operations,” Minister Aaviksoo Estonia it is involved in the training of the staff and said. staff company of the 1st Infantry Brigade. The According to the minister of defence, different Lithuanian “Iron Wolf” infantry brigade is currently alternatives for continued military co-operation with affiliated with the Danish Division. the Americans are currently being researched. The 1st Infantry Brigade represents the main “Considering the fact that Afghanistan is one of the manoeuvre unit of the Estonian Defence Forces, and most important operations for both NATO and the it includes the majority of the units trained in the new US administration, it’s quite likely that military course of the compulsory military service period. co-operation between Estonia and USA will begin in The Scouts Battalion, consisting of professional Afghanistan,” Aaviksoo said. Defence Forces members, also forms a part of this The formation of an Embedded Training Team brigade. with the Americans was highlighted by Defence The Danish Division (Danske Division) is a Minister Aaviksoo as one of the possible military co- component of the Danish armed forces, and it is one operation outputs. "The functions of the Training of the four divisions that comprise the Northeast Team would involve taking the security forces in Corps. Afghanistan to a level where they could, in a long- term perspective, take over ensuring the security in Mine-hunter Ugandi Arrived in Estonia on Afghanistan,” Aaviksoo explained. Independence Day US Secretary of Defence Gates thanked Estonia for its willingness to continue in Iraq and considered 23 February (BNS) - The new mine-hunter of the refocusing military capacities from Iraq to landed at the Naval Port in Afghanistan to be the correct approach. Secretary Tallinn for the first time Tuesday at about 4 Gates also expressed his support for the p.m. continuation of the air policing mission of the Baltic The Estonian flag was raised on the earlier British states. Royal Navy ship of Bridgeport on 22 January in Scotland.

6 "The Ugandi will increase the versatility of the 91st anniversary of the Republic. I congratulate you mine hunting capability of the Estonian navy," said and your team on behalf of the Estonian people.” Commander Ivo Värk, chief of staff of the Estonian Navy. "Contrary to the two other Sandown Class mine hunters, the Ugandi has a side-scan sonar that makes it possible to map the sea floor and analyse objects on it."

Värk added that the navy was planning to use the data collected by the Ugandi already this fall when several countries' mine hunting ships will once again arrive in Estonian waters in the framework of the Operation Open Spirit in order to clear sea lanes of mines laid there during the world wars. ESTONIAN REVIEW The Ugandi was built in 1992 of non-magnetic (ISSN 1023-1951) Is issued by the composite plastic and is equipped with an up-to-date Press and Information Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Seafox mine destruction system. Contrary to the two ISLANDI VÄLJAK 1, TALLINN, ESTONIA 15049 first ships, the Ugandi is provided with a Klein 5000 TEL +372 637 7600 series side-scan sonar and a 23 mm cannon. The FAX +372 637 7617 ship is 52.5 meters long and has a crew of 25. Estonian Review is also available over the "After the period away from home it is a warm internet at http://www.vm.ee feeling to see the skyline of Tallinn instead of the To subscribe, please contact: [email protected] silhouette of the Forth railway bridge, commander of Estonian Review is compiled in co-operation with the ship First Lieutenant Marek Mardo said. the Baltic News Service http://www.bns.ee/ The Ugandi is the last of the three Sandown Class mine hunters acquired for the Estonian Navy from Great Britain. The first Sandown Class ship, EML Admiral Cowan, was handed over to Estonia in April 2007 and the second ship, Sakala, last January. Under a contract signed with Great Britain in September 2006 Estonia bought a total of three Sandown Class mine hunters. The total cost of the three vessels was 800 million kroons (EUR 51.1 million), including repair and maintenance work of the ship and training of the crew in Great Britain. Sandown Class mine-hunters use Seafox type underwater robots for finding and destroying mines.

ECONOMIC NEWS Estonian Ports Handle 3 Million Tonnes of Goods in January 18 February (BNS) - Statistics Estonia said that 3.04 million tonnes of goods were loaded and unloaded at Estonian ports in January. The figure is 0.4% higher than in December and 2% higher than in January 2008. Compared with December, the loading of ships increased by 74 800 tons while unloading contracted by 62 600 tons. Compared with last January 15 200 tons more goods were loaded and 45 000 tons more goods were unloaded last month.

SPORTS NEWS President Ilves Congratulated Andrus Veerpalu on Victory at Nordic World Championships 20 February - President Toomas Hendrik Ilves today phoned Andrus Veerpalu, who won a gold medal in the men’s 15-kilometer classical race at the Nordic World Championships in Liberec, and congratulated him on the world title. Veerpalu came in first by 6.3 seconds. “Your victory is a stunning and positive inspiration in today’s complicated situation,” President Ilves said. “The world title is the best possible gift for the country on the occasion of the

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