Estonian Review E E S T I R I N G V A A D E VOLUME 16 NO 46 NOV 22- 28, 2006

OFFICIAL VISIT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE OF AMERICA TO , NOVEMBER 27 – 28, 2006

OFFICIAL VISIT OF THE Estonia is a strong ally in this war on terror. I appreciate so very much the President's PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED understanding of the need to resist tyranny. Of all STATES OF AMERICA TO ESTONIA, the people in the world who understand what NOVEMBER 27 – 28, 2006 tyranny can do, it's the Estonian people. I appreciate very much the fact that Estonia is helping others Statement of the , resist tyranny and realize their dreams of living in a Toomas Hendrik Ilves free society. In Afghanistan, are serving Again, I'm very happy to greet the President as a part of NATO's International Security Assistance of the United States, George W. Bush, in our fall Force in a dangerous province that the extremists, weather here in . Unfortunately, the weather the Taliban, seek to control. I appreciate the fact isn't better than it is, but that's how it happens. This that your forces are serving bravely, Mr. President. visit and these very open meetings that President The people of Estonia need to be proud of their Bush has had with me, as well as with the Prime military. It's a fine military. And the commitment of Minister, , truly prove that Estonia and your people is important to helping secure the the United States are close allies. One of the main peace. messages today was the message of freedom to I appreciate the troops that you have sent to those states who, like us, have chosen the way to Iraq. I also understand Estonian soldiers have been democracy and freedom and will not bow to wounded and two soldiers have given their lives. We pressure from any of their neighbours, and by these hold their families in our hearts. We lift them up in countries we mean , Ukraine, and the Balkan prayer. And Americans are grateful to be serving States. We should not hesitate to support these alongside such brave allies. states. And we should not falter when any of our Estonia is sharing its democratic experience allies are losing hope or faith, and we will help them with other nations. You have made a very successful in every way we can. transition to democracy, and you're helping other We will also not falter in making Afghanistan nations do the same, and that is a vital contribution more secure, where Estonia soldiers are helping to to world peace. I appreciate the fact that you're protect the welfare of Afghan citizens, again, training leaders from Georgia to Moldova to the together, hand in hand with the United States. Ukraine. I appreciate the assistance programs you're NATO's greatest foreign operation in the post-Cold providing to the Afghan people. I also appreciate the War period, it is the greatest challenge of the post- fact that you work with your neighbours and through war period. It is a challenge not only for the the to promote freedom in this neighbours of these countries, but also for the whole region and around the globe. world, as was proved by September the 11th. This morning the Prime Minister and I had a We are hoping to strengthen the ties chance to meet, as well, and he introduced me to between European countries and the United States. some of your citizens who are helping to build Conflicts between us are minor or nonexistent, and democracies, and I thanked them for their work. any issues will be easy to resolve. President Bush's We also discussed how Estonia has built a visit to Tallinn is taking place at a time immediately strong economy and raised the standard of living for before the summit of NATO in Riga. This summit the people. I appreciate the fact that you got a flat shows how far the Baltic States have developed and tax, you got a tax system that's transparent and how strong the support of our allies is for us. We simple. I also am amazed by the e-governance you want to give a strong message at the summit, and have here in your country. You really are on the that is that the doors to NATO are not closed and leading edge of change, and you're setting a really this is becoming a very mature, good organization. strong example. And I want to tell Mr. Bush: welcome to We talked about the fact that Estonians want Estonia. to be able to travel to America visa-free. Both the President and the Prime Minister made this an Statement of the President of the United important part of our discussions. They made it clear to me that if we're an ally in NATO, people ought to States of America, George W. Bush be able to come to our country in a much easier I'm proud to be the first sitting American President fashion. It is clear to me that this is an important to visit Estonia. I'm really glad I came. Yours is a issue for the Estonian people, as well. I appreciate beautiful country and a strong friend and ally of the their leaders being straightforward and very frank. United States. I appreciate the warm welcome I've There's no question where they stand. received. My only regret is that Laura is not with I am pleased to announce that I'm going to work me. She's receiving the Christmas tree at the White with our Congress and our international partners to House. She sends her very best, Mr. President. modify our visa waiver program. It's a way to make We had a lot -- we had a really good sure that nations like Estonia qualify more quickly discussion. The President and I spent a lot of time for the program and, at the same time, strengthen talking about the issue of freedom and liberty and the program's security components. peace. I appreciate very much the leadership The new security component of the visa Estonia is providing inside NATO. waiver program would use modern technology to We talked about how our nations can improve the security regime for international cooperate to achieve common objectives and travellers to and from the United States. In other promote common values, values such as human words, we need to know who is coming, and when dignity and human rights and the freedom to speak they're leaving. And the more we share -- can share and worship the way one sees fit. information, the easier it will be for me to get Congress to make it easier for Estonians to travel to foreign missions. the United States. “Afghanistan, as the largest NATO foreign We want people to come to our country. We operation, is also the greatest challenge for the understand a lot of Estonians have relatives in alliance in the post-Cold War period. We will do America. It's in our nation's interest that people are everything to help it succeed,” declared the Estonian able to come and visit, and it's important, at the head of state. “We understand the danger posed by same time, to make sure that those who want to failed countries, not only to their neighbours, but to continue to kill Americans aren't able to exploit the the world as a whole, as was proven by September system. 11, 2001.” I'm going to go to Riga right after our lunch. The Estonian and American heads of state We have an ambitious agenda there. More than declared their support for a NATO that will unite 50,000 NATO soldiers are providing security in six democracies, the so-called Open Door Policy. missions on three continents. These deployments “No one should perceive democracy on its have shown that our alliance remains as relevant border as a threat to security or autocracy as a today as it was during the height of the Cold War. guarantee of stability,” said President Ilves. Our alliance defends freedom, and so doing helps The leaders also discussed cooperation make us all more secure. We will discuss NATO's between Europe and the United States, as well as largest deployment, and that is Afghanistan. We're the need to support liberal economic policies. The partnering with Afghan security forces to defeat the situation in Iran was also discussed. Taliban and strengthen that young democracy. To President Bush also raised the possibility of succeed in Afghanistan, NATO allies must provide waiving visas for travel to the United States for the forces NATO military commanders require. I Estonian citizens. appreciate Estonia's commitment. Like Estonia, member nations must accept difficult assignments if Bush Thanks Estonia for Spreading Peace, we expect to be successful. Democracy In Riga, we'll discuss how our alliance must build on what we have learned in Afghanistan. We Nov 28 - Meeting with Estonian Prime Minister will continue to transform NATO forces and improve Andrus Ansip, US President George W. Bush NATO capabilities so that our alliance can complete thanked Estonia as a courageous and reliable 21st century missions successfully. The threat has partner in the spreading of peace, stability and changed. Our capabilities must change with the democracy. threats if NATO is to remain relevant. The President Bush said Estonia's success was impressive. understands that, and I appreciate our discussion Estonia is a convincing example of a country where along those lines today. thanks to the right decisions there has been fast We're also going to discuss NATO's further development and the welfare of the people has enlargement. By inviting qualifying democracies to improved, he said. The US president also recognized join our alliance at the next NATO summit in 2008, Estonia's open world view and praised Estonia’s we'll continue to build a Europe that is whole, free, simple and transparent taxation system. and at peace. Both Bush and Ansip said that Estonian-US I want to thank you for your hospitality relations were very good. In particular, Bush again. I know the people of this country are proud of underlined Estonia's active contribution in missions their accomplishments. The American people would in Iraq and Afghanistan. be amazed at what your country has done, and I'm Ansip noted that the Estonian mission in proud for you. And I'm proud to call you friend. Afghanistan had grown from a onetime five soldiers Thank you, Mr. President. to 130 men. Considering the size of the country, the US president said he highly valued that contribution. US, Estonian Presidents: We Do Not Support to Georgia and Ukraine, where it is necessary to deal with the promotion of democracy Hesitate Supporting Those That Have in order to achieve sustainable development, is also Chosen the Path of Freedom important for both countries. In this cooperation, Nov 28 - Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Bush said, Estonia can share its experience of Ilves and US President George W. Bush, development of the state and reform experience meeting in Kadriorg, focused on the allied while the US can provide economic support. relationship of the two countries, and their The prime minister thanked President Bush joint activity in the promotion of democracy. in the restoration of Estonian independence and “One of the main messages of our accession to NATO membership. discussions today was a message of freedom for Raising the visa waiver issue during the those countries, who, like us, have chosen the road meeting, the prime minister said Estonia understood to freedom and democracy and who will not that the visa requirement was an important issue in succumb to the pressure of any of their neighbours,” terms of guaranteeing security for the United States. said President Ilves. “We must not waver in our "Estonia does not want a discount in the support for these countries, and we will not waver, granting of visa waiver," Ansip said. "We are sure even when some of our allies are losing their faith in we will be able to meet all the requirements," Ansip success.” said. The heads of state spoke at length about the The prime minister also underlined that situation in Georgia and Ukraine, as well as in the Estonia does not pose a threat either in terms of the Balkans. war against terror or illegal immigration. Presidents Ilves and Bush also spoke about The future of NATO and the main issues of the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan, where the Riga summit were also touched upon during the Estonian and American troops are participating in meeting.

3 PM Gives Skype Phone to Bush as Present that the share of visa denials has to be less than three per cent in order for visas to be mutually Nov 28 – In a gesture underscoring Estonia’s abolished. importance as a hub for high technology and President Toomas Hendrik Ilves said that software development, Prime Minister Andrus Estonia had long been raising the visa waiver issue Ansip gave visiting US President George W. with the United States and made much progress in Bush a gift of a Skype telephone. the matter compared to two years ago. Ansip said Skype marked Estonia's success Ilves said that level of Estonian passports' story in various ways because its software was security was improving. developed by Estonians and in Estonia and has In the near future Estonia will start issuing today spread throughout the world, with nearly 140 passports with biometric data. The issuing of million users. biometric passports will probably begin next year. Ansip said this was a example of how

Estonia, although being small, could achieve success throughout the world through the skilful execution of FOREIGN NEWS a good idea. Estonian President Lauds Georgian Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves Reforms presented the US leader with an abstract glass Nov 23 - The Estonian president, speaking sculpture by an Estonian artist. The glass sculpture before the parliament of Georgia at a special by Ivo Lill is titled "Nordic Lights". session dedicated to the third anniversary of The US president presented his Estonian the Rose Revolution, praised the reforms counterpart with a silver bowl with an engraving, carried out in the Caucasian country. saying it is a present on the occasion of the "We are proud of the reforms you have inauguration of the Estonian president. undertaken that have produced such dramatic

growth in your economy," Toomas Hendrik Ilves said, adding that it was a great honour to be invited to speak before the parliament of Georgia as a body representing democracy and the rule of law. Democracy and the rule of law are the "sine qua non of European values, so rare, alas, among the countries that emerged from the prison of nations that was the ," the president said. As Estonia went through experiences similar to Georgia's 10-15 years ago it shares Georgia's concern over its neighbour seeing democracy on its borders as a security threat and the lack of democracy as the model of stability, Ilves said. "We know, too, that patience, understanding and a rapidly growing economy can put an end to separatist rhetoric," the head of state said, recalling unsuccessful secession attempts in north-eastern

Estonia in the early 1990s. US President in Estonia Promises to Raise Estonia has offered a helping hand to Georgia, the president said, mentioning assistance Issue of Visa Waiver as Soon as Possible with the Deer Leap computerization program and Nov 28 - At a press conference In Tallinn US educating Georgian public servants and officers President promised to raise the issue of a visa about the European Union and NATO. waiver for citizens of Estonia as soon as In NATO, too, Georgia has a strong and possible. committed friend in Estonia, Ilves declared. "I will do it as soon as possible," Bush said. "I just met with the NATO Secretary General Bush said that as Estonia and the United Jaap de Hoop Scheffer and urged him to include the States were partners in NATO it was also important strongest possible language on Georgia in the NATO for their citizens to be able to travel freely to each final communiqué we shall adopt next week at the other's countries. Riga Summit. On Tuesday (Nov 28) I shall meet Bush said that both Estonian President President Bush in Tallinn and will urge him in the Toomas Hendrik Ilves and Prime Minister Andrus same terms," the president said. Ansip very straightforwardly raised the visa waiver He compared the post-Rose Revolution issue. Georgia with West Berlin as the easternmost outpost "I am pleased to announce that I am going of democracy. to work with our Congress and our international Rephrasing the famous quotation "Ich bin partners to modify our visa waiver programme," ein Berliner" from a speech by former US President Bush told a news conference in Estonia. John F. Kennedy, Ilves said: "We are with you. I am Bush said that it was also necessary to with you. And I feel that in this great hall of ensure that the visa waiver program was not used democracy I can say today and here, Me Qartveli by those hostile to Americans. He said Estonia and var (I am a Georgian)." the United States should step up information The special parliamentary session was exchange to continue to the achievement of the two attended also by the Georgian head of state, Mikhail countries' visa waiver program. Saakashvili, and President of Ukraine Victor Bush also referred to the US requirement Yushchenko.

4

Estonian President Encourages Georgia to Formin: Development of Democracy to Push Ahead with Reforms Ensure Security of Region Nov 23 - Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Nov 27 - Speaking at a forum organized by the Ilves has acknowledged Georgia for setting Open Republic youth association, Estonian clear goals, encouraged the country to stay on Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that support the path of reform and promised it Estonian to the development of democracy, market support. economy and a viable civic society in , On a working visit to the Caucasian country, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova and South Caucasian Ilves met with his opposite number Mikhail countries would help ensure security an Saakashvili and Defence Minister Davit Kezerashvili. prosperity of the whole region. The president described the nearly three- "After the restoration of its independence hour tête-à-tête with the Georgian head of state as Estonia has achieved remarkable success in the an intense, extensive and comprehensive discussion social, political and economic spheres," the minister which gave the Estonian side confirmation that said. "We have been successful and have deserved Georgian leaders continue keeping their country on international recognition above all by our economic the road of integration into the West. reforms, application of information technology, "Reforms need to be continued. Estonia is integration into international organizations and ready to give Georgia continued support and developing a general democratic organization of the increase it, and help Georgia explain its situation to society and it is these spheres that provide useful its partners," Ilves said after the meeting. information to other countries carrying out similar He said there are several tactical questions reforms." on which Estonia can give Georgia good advice. In Pave Morose, leader of the Belarusian Third his words, the political and economic steps taken in Road youth organization, recognized the Estonians' Estonia in the first half of the 1990s, as well as well- helpfulness and solidarity with his people. considered action to preserve the country's integrity, "Estonia was one of the first countries to laid the cornerstone of the success story of Estonia have offered assistance to young people expelled as a newly-independent small country. from our universities for political reasons and invited Estonia sees opportunities for cooperation to them to study in their country," he said. solve a number of problems facing Georgia today, Morose came to Estonia last week; in the president said. Belarus he is bound to be charged for making The meeting with the Georgian defence cartoon films ridiculing dictator Alexander minister centred on the NATO summit in Riga next Lukashenka. week and Georgia's intense dialogue with the "I came to friends and knew that I would not alliance. be left unassisted. And so it was," Morose added. Kezerashvili asked whether Georgia could "Ordinary Estonians offered me bread and shelter. have two more places at the Baltic Defence College And even the state was later ready to support me. I based in Estonia's second-largest city of where can now peacefully work until an opportunity opens two Georgian officers are already studying. to return to my native country." It was the fifth Citizen's Day forum Georgian Speaker Thanks Estonian organized by Open Republic held in the White Hall of for Support the Estonian parliament.

Nov 23 - The chairwoman of the Georgian Young Democracies Have Withstood parliament, Nino Burjanadze, thanked Estonian lawmakers for the statement in support of her Russian Pressure - US Analyst country adopted in mid-October. Nov 23 – It is good news for Europe that In a letter to the Estonian president and despite huge pressure from Russia, none of the parliament, Burjanadze thanked Estonia for young democracies failed this year, says Bruce “tireless” assistance and support. She said Georgian Jackson, an influential US Republican and head people are more and more realizing the importance of the nongovernmental organization The of having good friends who are always and without Project for Transitional Democracies. the least hesitation prepared to come to the Georgia is a functioning democracy, Ukraine country's assistance. had free and fair elections, Moldova is headed The speaker said the support statement towards Europe and the Baltic States were hugely encourages the Gerogian nation to remain steadfast successful despite continuing pressure, Jackson said. in its bid to integrate into the European Union and "This was the year democracy could have failed and NATO especially in a situation where Georgian it didn't," he said. nationals in Russia have fallen victim to unjust In Jackson's view, the West was wrong repression by the Russian authorities. about Russia already during the tenure of George H. Estonian lawmakers said in the statement W. Bush. Dramatic collapse of an empire is very passed in mid-October that they support the road to dangerous for the international system and this democracy and freedom chosen by Georgia and the made the West cautious, he said. country's aspirations regarding NATO and the EU, "We allowed the restoration of the Chekist and acknowledge Georgia's progress on this course. Russia and now we've got a big problem, now we've They also condemned the sanctions imposed on Georgia by Russia.

5 got an unruly child, a very big skinhead. A 250- victims' relatives. Bildt said certain politicians aim to pound teenager is quite a dangerous young reap a political profit from the September 1994 criminal," Jackson said. "It was a mistake not to tragedy. speak clearly with Russia when it was still listening." His Estonian colleague Urmas Paet added In his words, it was clear already years ago that the sinking of the Estonia has been very that Russia was moving back to an authoritarian, thoroughly investigated and he is sceptical that any antidemocratic, non-European, almost Asian model. new circumstances will come to light. "We have a reappearance of a dangerous and Paet noted that and Estonia have revisionist state on the borders of the European always worked closely together as regards the ferry system. We missed our historical chance," he said. catastrophe. He harked back to Justice Minister Rein But he believes that both the United States Lang's visit last week to Sweden where he said he and the West are more and more clearly realizing had very open meetings. this, and already from the middle of the next year Lang told Swedish Defence Minister Mikael Russia could find itself increasingly isolated from the Odenberg that Estonia wishes to take part in a European community. And, regardless of who will be planned forensic examination of video footage taken elected president of the United States, his policy on the wreckage of the Estonia soon after the towards will be much tougher, he predicted. catastrophe. The analyst described the incoherence of the The Swedish minister of defence, whose European Union regarding foreign policy as a responsibilities include the investigation of matters strategic liability to the West. It has resulted in the related to the 1994 disaster, indicated he was alienation of Turkey, the strongest NATO ally, and positively disposed to Lang's suggestion. lack of constructive dialogue with the most The Estonia sank in a storm on the Baltic dangerous revisionist power, or Russia. So it comes Sea on Sept. 28, 1994. about that Moscow is working against the West over both North Korea and Iran. Estonian President to Pay Visit to Sweden Jackson dismissed Russia's attacks against Soon the Baltic States as propaganda exercises which respected international bodies do not take seriously. Nov 21 - Estonian President Toomas Hendrik "The view in Washington and I think Ilves intends to make a working visit to elsewhere is that these are Comintern agitprop Sweden soon. operations run by the same people who used to run The visit was under discussion at Ilves' Stasi (security service) in East . They are meeting with visiting Swedish Foreign Minister Carl spooking for the benefit of English leftists and the Bildt on Tuesday evening. few useful idiots who are still serving Moscow's Ilves and Bildt also talked about the future agenda," Jackson said. of the European Union and the bloc's neighbourhood policy, focusing on Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine and Estonia, Sweden against Blocking EU- Belarus and the sharing of reform experience. Another topic discussed in the meeting was security Russia Talks in the Baltic Sea region, including a natural gas Nov 22 - Foreign ministers of Estonia and pipeline to be built between Russia and Germany. Sweden said they understand 's concern "Just as Sweden at one time helped create about its food exports but do not support the Estonian success story, Estonia now has the blocking of talks between the European Union opportunity to assume this same role, for instance in and Russia. providing assistance to Georgia and several other The Estonian minister, Urmas Paet, said at a reforming countries," Ilves said. joint news conference he understands Poland's concern but cannot support the tendency to tie trade Estonian President Appoints Alar to politics. In his words, Poland should be supported Streimann Ambassador to Sweden in its dispute with Russia but negotiations with Moscow over a new Partnership and Cooperation Nov 27 - Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Agreement must proceed. Ilves appointed Alar Streimann the Estonian Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt noted ambassador to Sweden, simultaneously that Poland had raised the question of its trade recalling the present ambassador, Jüri Kahn. relations with Russia in the EU and that this is a The ambassador will reside in . subject that needs to be discussed but added that blocking of EU-Russia talks was not right. Estonian Diplomat to Start Work at Poland's threat to veto the start of talks on a Swedish Embassy in Cairo new EU-Russia partnership agreement to replace a Nov 22 - Estonia intends to post soon a previous accord that expires next year was still in diplomat to the capital of Egypt, Cairo, who will effect this afternoon, but the ministers voiced the probably be based at the Swedish embassy. hope the deadlock could yet be broken. Foreign Minister Urmas Paet discussed the

posting with his Swedish colleague, Carl Bildt. Swedish Formin Sees No Need to Raise Estonia has used a similar arrangement Wreck of Sunken Ferry before. For instance, an Estonian diplomat is based Nov 22 - The Swedish foreign minister said at the Finnish embassy in New Delhi. The Foreign there is no need to raise the ferry Estonia that Ministry plans to use the same scheme in Israel. went down in the Baltic Sea in 1994. Paet told reporters that Estonia and Sweden Although the sinking of the Estonia was a will soon conclude an air and sea rescue agreement great tragedy for both Sweden and Estonia, Carl which the two countries lack so far. In his words, Bildt said at a news conference in Tallinn, constant such accords have been concluded between most re-raising of the subject reopens old wounds for countries on the Baltic rim.

6 Paet and Bildt discussed also support for situation on the Estonian-Russian border and mutual candidacies in the United Nations. expressing the hope that the authorities in the "We agreed that a solution to the European neighbouring country will take steps towards Constitutional Treaty should be found by 2009 at the normalization of the situation. The Tax and Customs latest. Board raised the issue at a meeting of customs Both Estonia and Sweden are also of the officials in the summer. opinion that suspending accession talks with Turkey Russia's Transport Minister Igor Levitin is not a welcome step and it would not serve the admitted at an EU-Russia transport conference in interests of the European Union," Paet said. the Finnish city of Lappeenranta in September that Europe should take an interest in Turkey's the Russian customs authority was to blame for the becoming a more European and modern country and congestion on borders, but the queues of trucks at negotiations with that end in view should continue, border crossings persist. the Swedish minister said. Bildt observed that the relationship between Estonian Population Minister's Office Estonia and Sweden is unique in that both countries Denies Kremlin Claims of Slow hold similar views on EU-related as well as bilateral Naturalization issues. There are no problems in the relations between the two countries, he said. Nov 22 - An adviser to the Estonian population minister has denied claims of the slow pace of Group of Members naturalization of ethnic made by to Prod US into Lifting Visa Requirement Russian presidential envoy to the European Union Sergei Yastrzhembsky. Nov 22 - More than 50 members of the Since the EU-Russia joint statement signed European Parliament have signed a in April 2004, the number of persons of undefined Parliamentary Question to the European citizenship in Estonia has decreased from 164,000 to Commission calling for support to a drive to 127,000, the adviser, Aarne Veedla, stated. get the United States extend its visa waiver Thus, the Kremlin envoy's conjecture that at program to 10 member states of the European the present pace of naturalization it will take Estonia Union. decades to solve the problem of persons of The motion was initiated by MEP Simon undetermined citizenship is not true, Veedla added. Busuttil from who wants the executive arm of The presidential envoy said at a news the bloc to put pressure on the US authorities to conference in Moscow that Russia is dissatisfied with achieve lifting of the visa requirement applied to how the EU has been observing its obligations in nationals of 10 EU countries, the European People's ensuring the rights of ethnic and Party and European Democrats said. under the EU-Russia joint statement signed Busuttil pointed out that at present citizens on April 27, 2004. of most countries which joined the EU in 2004 still require visas to travel to the United States. Lithuanian Police Officers in Estonia Get Although the has Familiar with Colleagues' Work raised the issue before no progress towards the abolition of the visa requirement has been made Nov 24 - Eleven police officers from thus far, European lawmakers noted. visited the North Prefecture of the for several days to get familiar with the Estonia To Raise Russian Border work of their Estonian colleagues. Congestion with EU The law enforcement officers who arrived here on Nov. 19 looked at the work of Nov 22 - Estonia's Tax and Customs Board Estonian officers in fields corresponding to their own intends to raise on the European level the issue field of work and had a chance to participate in the of huge lines of trucks waiting to cross the work in line with the authority that they possessed. border into Russia that has persisted since the The departments that they visited included summer. the North Prefecture's house of detention, permits The customs authority will raise the issue at service, traffic department, prevention service. They a meeting of EU customs chiefs next week. also took part in patrols. The European Commission too plans to The Lithuanian officers who stayed in Tallinn address the problem of congestion on Russian are experienced officers whose aim was to gain borders. Speaking for the EU executive branch, experience they could later apply at home. Emma Udwin said the Commission aims to map out Similar exchanges have taken place also both urgent and long-term measures to deal with before. For instance, officers from the North the problem. Prefecture have worked together with their Finnish The EU executive is at present consulting counterparts in Helsinki to help solve crimes with member countries of the bloc on how to tackle perpetrated by Estonians. Exchanges have been the issue and will immediately thereafter get in carried out also with the Vilnius and Warsaw police touch with the Russian authorities, Udwin added. and an exchange between the police departments of Finnish President plans raised Riga and Tallinn is being planned. the issue of long lines of trucks at a meeting with The initiative for the present project came Russian President Vladimir Putin. from Lithuania. The project was carried out in the In view of the seriousness of the problem, framework of a cooperation memorandum between the Estonian Foreign Ministry sent a note to Russia the Helsinki, Riga, Vilnius, Warsaw and Tallinn police in the summer, drawing attention to the critical signed in 2003.

7 Estonia Sending Official to Moscow to other factors only increased the further migration Promote Police Cooperation potential in Africa. He added that the only long-term solution to Nov 24 - Estonia is planning to send an official the problem was development of those countries. from the Interior Ministry to work in Moscow EU justice and interior ministers will discuss next year to help promote police cooperation the annual summary of the implementation of the between the two countries. European Council conclusions on migration and Estonia's national police chief Raivo Aeg, development issues made under the British who attended a meeting of European Union police presidency at a session of the justice and interior leaders in Brussels, said that the other police chiefs ministers’ council meeting at Hampton Court at the also wished to step up cooperation with non-EU end of December. member states, particularly Russia. Laanet said that in the Estonian view such a "It was said that while many countries have model should give a good political framework to bilateral cooperation with Russia at this point, there taking further concrete steps. He expressed the are no formal relations between Russia and Europol hope that a similar model would be used also with thus far," Aeg said. respect to other areas from which illegal immigrants Europol is interested in forging formal ties arrive in Estonia. with Russia, and during the meeting in Brussels also He added that respective concrete measures the possibility was talked about to have a Russian are already expected during the forthcoming liaison officer posted with the organization. German presidency period. The regular meetings of EU police chiefs are attended by the police leaders of all EU member states, representatives from the secretariat of the DEFENCE NEWS EU Council, the Commission, Europol and Interpol, Collective Defence a Key Issue for Estonia as well as by the police leaders of , , at NATO Summit Switzerland and the EU candidate countries. Nov 23 - The Estonian government approved positions for the NATO summit in Riga, Interior Minister Attends EU-Africa including collective defence as an underlying Conference in Libya principle of the alliance among the topics it Nov 28 - Estonian Interior Minister Kalle Laanet wishes to be brought up in the meeting. attended an EU-African conference on The Estonian delegation led by Prime migration and development in the Libyan Minister Andrus Ansip went to the Riga summit in capital Tripoli. the hope that the discussions held and decisions The conference adopted a joint declaration made there would strengthen NATO. pertaining to both the spheres. It contains concrete Missions in Afghanistan and Kosovo came measures and reflects the views of both the under discussion on the first night of the summit, continents. The conference also approved a plan of with a dinner scheduled for heads of state and action of fighting trafficking in human beings. government. A plenary meeting on the second day "For the European Union it was of great focused on political and military transformation of importance to focus on raising the efficiency of the alliance and NATO operations. Informal meetings African border guarding and migration control of foreign and defence ministers were also planned capability and on the issue of readmission in the framework of the summit. agreements," Laanet said. The draft of a communiqué adopted at the He said that the staging of a second summit contained several topics of importance to respective conference within a short time showed Estonia, such as NATO operations, partnerships, that guarding of the external border of the European enlargement, cooperation with the European Union, Union no longer started at the external border but comprehensive planning, and the NATO Response reached far outside it. Force (NRF). "Besides, control of illegal migration does Estonia attaches great importance to the not only depend on steps taken by interior ministries success of the NATO operation in Afghanistan and to increase the efficiency of border guarding," the hopes the alliance's partnership relations will be minister said. made more flexible and cooperation with In addition to agreements on development, international organizations stepped up. migration control and improvement of the border NATO's enlargement policy should be guided guarding system, the ministers came to the joint by the progress made individually by each of the understanding of looking for opportunities for the three candidate countries with a Membership Action creation of a fund from which the approved activities Plan, Albania, Croatia and Macedonia, Estonia finds. could be additionally financed. The government considers it important that Laanet said he was glad that the political Georgia and Ukraine as countries having an intense guidelines adopted last year were given concrete dialogue with NATO be mentioned in the content and a practical outcome. communiqué. "Bearing in mind migration perspectives, Besides the communiqué, a comprehensive further development of Africa and achievement of policy paper and a number of other documents the UN millennium development aims is one of the concerning NATO's action in the areas of terrorism, main goals for the European Union," he said. missile defence and prevention of the dissemination The minister admitted that poverty, of weapons of mass destruction were submitted for conflicts, poor governance, the global trade policy, approval at the summit. deterioration of environmental conditions and many

8

Defence Minister Stresses Importance of among non-Estonian speakers,. 51 per cent, support EU-NATO Cooperation the country's membership in NATO. Non-Estonian speakers' support to the country's membership in Nov 22 - NATO's keywords must be flexibility, the alliance has increased compared with an effectiveness and cooperation with other analogous poll carried out in the spring, when only organizations, in the first place the European Forty-three per cent of non-Estonian Union, the Estonian defence minister said in speakers were in favour of Estonia's membership in his opening remarks at an international NATO. security conference. Among ethnic Estonians, men and people The Estonian government backs the with a higher level of education were more transformation of NATO and is convinced that the enthusiastic supporters of NATO membership, while alliance will continually be committed to the principle among non-Estonians young people and those living of collective defence, Jürgen Ligi said when opening in rural areas were bigger supporters of membership the conference "NATO as a Global Security in the transatlantic alliance. Provider." Of the respondents, 81 per cent of those NATO's goal is not to be a global policeman who were citizens of Estonia supported the country's but to stand against global threats such as membership in NATO, while 34 per cent fully international terrorism and spread of weapons of favoured Estonia's membership in the defence mass destruction or the threat to energy security, alliance. the defence minister said. The Turu-uuringute pollster interviewed 993 Keywords for the alliance in promoting global Estonian residents aged 15-74 in the period from partnership must be flexibility and effectiveness, and September 15 to 27. more efficient cooperation with other international The poll was commissioned by the Defence organizations, especially keeping in mind the Ministry. European Union, which shares similar values with NATO, Ligi said. Estonian Soldiers in Iraq Detain Two "Estonia as a member of NATO is working towards being a well-functioning part of Suspected Terrorists international civil society. We want our defence Nov 26 - The Estonian ESTPLA-13 infantry structures to become an inseparable part of civil platoon, operating in its area of responsibility society where civil control is irreversibly in the town of Sab-al-Boor in Iraq, detained guaranteed," the minister said. two persons suspected of “terrorism” last Among speakers at the conference were week. experts who have been connected with the activity The defence forces general staff said one of of NATO. the persons arrested is suspected of kidnapping and Among the speakers were Jamie Shea, head the other of shooting at people. of the NATO secretary-general's policy planning unit, The Estonian platoon detained the person director of the German Marshall Fund's Transatlantic suspected of kidnapping thanks to a video of an Centre Ronald D. Asmus, and Bruce Jackson, apparent bound hostage retrieved from the founder and president of the nongovernmental suspect's mobile phone. Arms and propaganda organization The Project for Transitional posters of the terrorist organization, Mahdi Army, Democracies, which supports the development and were found on the suspect, who was detained in an integration into the West of the young Central and ambush operation without an exchange of fire. East European democracies. The other suspected terrorist was detained The director of the Estonian Foreign Policy after local inhabitants complained of shots being Institute, Andres Kasekamp; the president's security fired regularly from a certain vehicle. An Estonian adviser Indrek Kannik; Riina Kionka, who is in patrol apprehended the suspect in a building in front charge of transatlantic relations at the EU's foreign of which the vehicle was parked. A sniper weapon policy unit; and former Prime Minister also which evidence indicated had recently been fired participated. was in the possession of the suspect. Since June, the Estonian infantry platoon has Three of Four Estonian Residents Favour detained 62 persons suspected of terrorism, found Membership in NATO eight arms caches, three improvised explosive devices and more than a hundred small arms. Nov 28 - A total of 76 per cent of the Estonian The mission of ESTPLA-13 in Iraq will last population support the country's current until the middle of December. The 34-strong light membership in NATO, with support among infantry platoon under the command of Lt. Meelis non-Estonian speakers having grown Jõemaa is prepared to carry out military operations somewhat over the past half year, a recent poll as part of infantry and mechanized units. revealed. ESTPLA-13 serves near Sab-al-Boor north of According to the Turu-uuringud poll, 30 per Baghdad, in the combat group of the 1st Brigade of cent of those interviewed fully supported and 46 per the 4th Infantry Division of the US Army. cent were in favour rather than against Estonia's Estonia has taken part in the mission in Iraq membership in the transatlantic alliance. That adds since June 2003. Two troops have been killed during up to 76 per cent of the country's population being the operation: Jr. Sgt. Andres Nuiamäe and Master in favour of Estonia being a member of the defence Sgt. Arre Illenzeer. Nineteen members of the organization and only 17 per cent are against. have sustained injuries, two Among ethnic Estonians, 86 per cent, and of them serious ones.

9 Thirty-One Estonian Soldiers to Provide Reiljan Re-elected as Leader of People's Security at Riga Summit Union Nov 27 - Thirty-one members of the Estonian Nov 24 - A congress of People's Union re- defence forces with six Pasi armoured elected Villu Reiljan as chairman of the personnel carriers helped provide security at predominantly rural centre-left Estonian party. the NATO summit in Riga. The former minister of environment was re- The Estonian defence forces unit sent to Riga elected to the post with 538 votes for, 23 against has been placed under Latvian defence forces and 21 abstentions. Reiljan was the sole candidate. command. The place where the Estonians will be Thanking party members for the expression posted in Riga will be decided on the spot. of trust, Reiljan said the development of the party The permission to send the six Pasi APCs has to be subjected to a critical analysis in all and up to 40 members of the defence forces to counties so that the party could better fulfil its ensure security at the NATO summit in Riga was mission. given by parliament on November 15. Reiljan has headed the People's Union since 2000. The congress also filled other leadership DOMESTIC NEWS posts and endorsed the pre-election platform and expanded program. Estonians Trust Border Guard above People's Union has been part of both of the Other Institutions coalitions that have ruled Estonia since the last Nov 28 - The Estonian people see the border general elections in spring 2003. guard as the most trustworthy institution in The party suffered a major backlash when Estonia, while trust in parties is the lowest, a President Arnold Rüütel failed to secure re-election recent poll revealed. in September. It appears from the Turu-uuringute poll Immediately before the presidential vote the carried out at the beginning of September that with People's Union concluded a cooperation agreement regard to state institutions, residents of Estonia had with the Centre Party. the biggest trust in the border guard and the central The ext general elections are scheduled to bank, with 85 per cent of the residents aged from 15 be held in Estonia in March 2007. to 74 trusting them fully or trusting them rather than not. Greens Set Up in Estonia Trust in the legal chancellor, the Tax and Nov 25 - A new political party called the Greens Customs Board (both 79 per cent) and the defence of Estonia was formally created in Tallinn. forces (78 per cent) was also quite high. The name was approved with the votes of Traditionally residents' trust in parties has 286 participants in the founding meeting. been the lowest, with only 25 per cent of residents The meeting was attended by 361 people. In trusting them fully of trusting them rather than not, all, the new party has 1,203 members. and 68 per cent having no trust in them. The new party's programme underscores the Compared with the same period in earlier importance of direct democracy. To exercise direct years, trust in the president and the parliament has democracy, the programme calls for referendums to fallen. be held on the level of local governments as well as Organizers of the poll put this down to the on the national level. recent presidential elections. With regard to the traditional Green Party In the poll carried out in September the priority, the programme stresses more efficient president was trusted by 66 per cent and the protection of the environment. To help control parliament by 48 per cent of the respondents, while climate change, a new international agreement has 30 per cent did not trust the president and 49 per to be enforced after the expiry of the Kyoto protocol. cent did not trust the parliament. In energy, sustainable sources of energy In comparison with polls carried out at the have to be used to the maximum for the production same time in earlier years trust in the press, the of electricity, motor fuel and heat. To reduce police, the church and the paramilitary Defence security risks and losses in the transmission of League has increased, the pollster said. electricity the production of electricity should be According to the September poll 45 per cent decentralized. of the respondents found they trusted the press, In economy, the keywords of the program although traditionally the press exhibits one of the are innovation, environment friendliness, giving lowest trust indexes, being ahead only of parties. priority to public transport, but also support for the The press was not trusted by 51 per cent of those stronger chemicals law of the EU. interviewed. Marek Strandberg, a prominent The state audit office and the police were environmental activist most often associated with trusted equally by 73 per cent, courts by 68 per the new party, has said the party is planning to take cent, the Lutheran church by 67 per cent, the part in the next parliamentary elections in March European Union and the prime minister equally by 2007 and clear the five per cent election threshold. 66 per cent and the Defence League, NATO and local Strandberg is a member of the board of the governments equally by 65 per cent of those initiative group setting up the party. interviewed. The creation of the new party was welcomed The poll was based on interviews with 993 by the merged centre-right party Pro Patria and Res residents of Estonia aged 15-74. Publica Union.

10 Baltic Edition of Russian Newspaper to The Education and Research Ministry and the Start Appearing in Estonia Non-Estonians' Integration Foundation have mounted campaigns to educate the young about HIV Nov 27 - The Russian newspaper and AIDS. Komsomolskaya Pravda will in January start publishing in Estonia an edition meant for the Estonia's Drug Death Rate Among Highest Nordic and Baltic countries. The edition will print a weekly survey of in Europe - Survey stories carried by Komsomolskaya Pravda and also Nov 24 - Estonia ranks among the six countries publish articles by correspondents in , having the highest rate of drug-related deaths Sweden, Estonia and other countries of the Baltic in Europe, a report by the European Monitoring region, a representative of the daily said. Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) Komsomolskaya Pravda estimates the shows. regional readership at two million people. The countries having more than 25 cases of "Entry into northern Europe under which we drug-related deaths per one million residents are include the Baltic States, too, is a step we've , Estonia, Luxembourg, Finland, Britain and thoroughly considered," editor in chief and director Norway. general of Komsomolskaya Pravda, Vladimir The average ratio for European countries is Sungorkin said. 13 deaths per one million residents. The ratio is According to Sungorkin, Tallinn was chosen highest, or 40 deaths per one million people, among as the place of publication of the paper's Baltic and males aged from 15-39. Nordic edition because Estonia is situated at the Estonia occupies the second position in the crossing of roads linking the Baltic States and European statistics on drug-related deaths in the Scandinavian countries. under 25 age group. The regional edition of Komsomolskaya Most victims of overdoses in Europe are Pravda will be published by the Estonia-registered aged from 20-40, and in most countries the victims company SKP Media picked by Komsomolskaya are people in their mid-30s. The average age of Pravda Publishers for its strategic partner. overdose victims is lowest in Estonia, Slovenia, A single copy of the newspaper will cost Bulgaria and , and highest in the Czech approximately 10 kroons in Estonia and 1.5 euros in Republic, Holland, Poland and Finland, it appears Finland and Sweden. from the survey. The paper is expected to have a print run of 20,000-25,000 copies in the first year of publication. Over Three Kilos of Amphetamine Seized In addition to Russia, Komsomolskaya in Estonia Pravda appears at present in the United States, Canada, Germany, , , Turkey and Israel, Nov 24 - More than three kilograms of and is distributed in more than 30 countries. amphetamine was seized from two citizens of Lithuania who were arrested on the Estonian- Minister: HIV Will Stay at 2005 Level Latvian border in late October, Estonian police said. Nov 23 - The number of new HIV cases in "The central criminal police conducted an Estonia this year will in the social affairs operation jointly with our Lithuanian colleagues, in minister's estimate more or less match last the course of which we received information that year's when 621 people were diagnosed with two Lithuanian citizens were planning to take a large the deadly virus. amount of amphetamine to Finland via Latvia and In the first half of this year 332 new cases of Estonia," said the director of the central criminal HIV infection were registered. police, Elmar Vaher. The minister of social affairs Jaak Aab said Acting on a request from police, officers that an explosive spread of the human from the Estonian Tax and Customs Board detained immunodeficiency virus occurred in 2001 but since the two men on the border on Oct.28. 2002 numbers of new cases have been declining. In the course of the joint operation, police in Although fewer people have been diagnosed Lithuania detained other members of the group that with HIV in recent years the overall number had sent the couriers, confiscating additionally more continues growing from year to year. than 5,000 tablets of ecstasy, three kilograms of Since this year, preventive work has been amphetamine, a Baikal pistol equipped with a carried out in line with the state strategy for the silencer and a Magnum 38 revolver with prevention of HIV and AIDS for 2006-15. The key ammunition. backers of the program are the Social Affairs Ministry and the Global Fund. The Social Affairs Estonians Set Record for Largest Group Ministry is working in close cooperation with the Ascent of Kilimanjaro ministries of education and science, justice, defence and internal affairs. Nov 28 - Thirty-seven of the 43 Estonians who As the spread of HIV is directly related to went to climb Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in injecting drug users, much emphasis is put on work Africa, last week reached the summit. with such addicts. The Estonians reached the peak on The state is financing antiretroviral November 26. The earlier record for ascent of the treatment for all who need it regardless of whether mountain was held by Americans, when 32 of a or not they have medical insurance. Treatment costs group of 40 reached the goal. may reach 155 million kroons (€7.35 mln) in 2007. Situated in Tanzania, Kilimanjaro is the More and more HIV-infected people need other highest peak in Africa, at a height of 5,895 meters. medical services as well.

11 ECONOMIC NEWS The IMF on November 22 published its recommendations to Estonia, drawn up on the basis of its summer mission. Currency rates in kroons () Unemployment Rate Falls to 5.4 Percent

in Q3 Estonian State Budget Meets Tax Revenue Target Nov 22 - Unemployment fell to 5.4 per cent in Estonia in the third quarter, with the drop Nov 22 - A total of 49.72 billion kroons (€3.18 largest in the north-eastern Ida-Viru county, billion) of tax revenue had been paid into the the Statistical Office reported. Estonian state budget, 0.72 billion kroons In Q3 the rate of unemployment was above the target for this year. considerably lower than in the previous quarter More than 16 billion kroons of value-added (6.2%) and in the same quarter the year before tax had been received in the state budget, over one (7%). billion kroons more than planned, the Finance In Northeast Estonia, the area with the Ministry said. highest unemployment rate, the joblessness rate fell The reasons for the fast growth are to 8.5 per cent in Q3. The rate was the lowest, 4 per increased consumption due to higher incomes and cent in North Estonia. optimistic expectations for the future, the ministry Unemployment has been falling since 2001, said. but in the past two years the pace of the fall has The current state of the inflow of taxes been particularly fast. If in Q4 2004 the rate of reflects this year's main budget, as 5.1 billion kroons unemployment was still as high as 10 per cent, then more tax revenue has been planned into the in Q3 this year it was about half that figure. supplementary budget. More precise figures concerning tax revenue Estonia: Average Gross Monthly Wages in intake will become available at the beginning of December, the Finance Ministry said. Q3 Stand at €573 Nov 23 - In Q3 this year the average gross Estonia Has No Budgetary Policy monthly wages of full- and part-time Problems - Minister employees of Estonian companies, institutions and organizations amounted to 9,068 kroons Nov 23 - Commenting on recommendations (€573.42), the Statistical Office said. concerning the budget the International Compared with Q3 2005 the average gross Monetary Fund (IMF) gave to Estonia, Finance monthly wages rose by 16.5 per cent and gross Minister Aivar Sõerd said that they were hourly wages by 18.8 per cent. certainly important, but Estonia had no problems in that sphere. First Estonian Electricity Transmitted to The IMF praised Estonia's budgetary discipline, but recommended that Estonia refrain Finland over Estlink from spending the surplus by means of Nov 23 - Specialists made the first test of the supplementary budgets, draw up budgets with an undersea Estlink power cable with the first even bigger surplus and pay more attention to watt-hours of electricity successfully inhibiting the growth in expenses. transmitted from Estonia to Finland. The IMF said that Estonia's extraordinarily "Everything worked well; the cable will be high economic growth provided an opportunity of completed in time and will be opened on time," a reducing the share of government sector expenses spokesman for the Eesti Energia (Estonian Energy) in the gross domestic product (GDP). power utility said. In a comment on that recommendation, Eesti Energia said the opening of the Baltic Sõerd said that the level of government sector and Nordic countries' first electricity link would take expenses with regard to GDP was already the lowest place at the Harku and Espoo converter stations on in the European Union (EU), 33.2 per cent, and the December 4, Eesti Energia said. trend was falling. As a result, the minister said, Estlink, a 350 megawatt capacity undersea Estonia could be regarded as the "thinnest" country power cable, will cost a total of nearly 1.7 billion in the EU. kroons (€109 mln). Partners of the project are Sõerd said that the Estonian budgetary Estonian, Latvian Lithuanian and Finnish power policy was sustainable in every respect. companies. Sõerd added that such IMF recommendations are given almost to all countries, Estonian Minister: Need for Revaluation of in stricter terms to some and in less stricter terms to Railway Assets others. Further cutting of expenses and increasing Nov 23 - Speaking in parliament Estonian the surplus could naturally be recommended, but Economic Affairs and Communications Minister implementation of such a recommendation is not said that assets of Eesti very simple, Sõerd said. Raudtee (Estonian Railway) would have to be At the same time Sõerd agreed with several reappraised. risks IMF had referred to. "A rise is taking place and I believe that "Also the Finance Ministry in its comments sooner of later the assets have to be reassessed, but has spoken about the risks of overheating, our analysis shows that the 6.2 billion (kroons, €396 restrictions of the labour market, fast growth in mln) is clearly too much," Savisaar referred to the borrowing and the current account deficit. wish of Eesti Raudtee's private owners to raise the

12 value of the assets by several billion kroons. According to the Foreign Ministry the note The minister said the reassessment would requests urgent and fact-based explanation of the have to be made "on an objective basis" and would situation concerning the barring of the import of fish remain smaller than the private owners had and fish products into the territory of the Russian intended. Federation through crossings on the Estonian- Savisaar also admitted the need to raise Russian border. track access charges in the future. He said the The Foreign Ministry also asked for reasons for the rise were higher prices of materials information about possible solutions and measures and labour. taken for speedy normalization of the situation. Reassessment of Eesti Raudtee assets was one of the main matters of dispute between the Estonian-Russian Accord for 2007 Estonian government and the private owners, which Doubles Perch Catches From Border Lake prevented endorsement of the Eesti Raudtee reports for the financial years 2004 and 2005 at the Nov 28 - During a meeting of the Estonian- shareholders' general meetings. Russian fisheries commission, the sides agreed Under the private owners' leadership Eesti that Estonian fishers will be allowed to harvest Raudtee wanted to raise the value of its assets from more perch pike and perch next year from the 2.5 billion to 6.16 billion kroons in its report for transboundary Lake Peipsi and Lake Pskov as 2004. Several auditing companies confirmed well as Lammijärv. justification of the reassessment. The quota for perch will double in comparison with this year and that for pike perch Estonia to Raise Russian Fish Import Ban will increase by 29 tons. The quota for pike perch would have been even bigger had it not been for with Brussels excessive catches by Estonian fishers in the first 10 Nov 27 - The head of the Estonian veterinary months of this year, which were deducted from next and food authority said he would raise the year's quota. issue of a Russian ban on fish imports at a At the same time, the quota for smelt for regular meeting of European chief veterinary next year was slashed ten times. officials in Brussels. The reason for the big reduction is a sudden As the import ban concerns all European deterioration in the condition of smelt stocks in Union member states, the matter should be recent years. addressed by the bloc's executive Commission, In connection with the exhaustion of the director general of the Veterinary and Food Board quotas for this year and overfishing of pike perch Ago Pärtel said. the minister of environment issued a regulation The veterinary authority sent an official banning commercial harvesting of fish on Lake Peipsi inquiry about restrictions concerning the import of during the entire month of December. fish and fish products to the Russian veterinary and The joint fisheries commission also endorsed phytosanitary agency. Pärtel was unable to tell when regulations concerning fishing in the first half of the Russian answer could arrive. 2007, which envisage a ban on fishing with nets on On November 24, Russia unexpectedly the three lakes from April 25 to Sept. 1. closed its border checkpoints to shipments of fish and fish products through Estonia explaining the European Court Annuls Directive Giving decision with problems relating to forged documents Estonia Transition Period for Opening Its and illegal trade. Energy Market The ban applies to the whole EU and Ukraine. Only border crossings which so far have Nov 28 - The European Court of Justice has played an insignificant role in the transport of fish published a judgment which annuls a provision remain open to shipments. of a Council directive that among other things Fish can be taken from Finland to Russia granted Estonia a transition period in the full only through the Vyborg checkpoint and only one opening of its energy market until the start of checkpoint in Belarus, Kaliningrad and Latvia each. 2013. Estonia's fish exports to Russia consist Under the Estonia-EU accession treaty, mostly of frozen sprat and Baltic herring. Fish export Estonia was given the right to open its energy to Russia, worth 500 million kroons (€32 mln) a market gradually. Starting from 2009, the market year, accounts for less than one-fifth of total was to be open to an extent representing 35 per Estonian fish exports. cent of consumption, and from the start of 2013 the This year Estonia has exported to Russia market should be fully open. 28,424 tons of frozen fish, 4,075 tons of canned In the European Court of Justice the dispute fish, 1,724 tons of shellfish and shrimp, 1,090 tons was over the formalities of making the transition of smoked fish, 987 tons of refrigerated fish, and period available and the court judges in favour of 620 tons of fish fillet. the European Parliament, which was not satisfied that it had not been part of the process. Estonia Sends Russia Diplomatic Note Estonia was represented in the court by over Ban on Fish Imports Lembit Uibo, director of the office for the European Court of Justice at the Estonian Foreign Ministry. Nov 27 - The Estonian authorities sent a Uibo said that the court had annulled the diplomatic note to Russia asking for provision about the transition period because of explanations concerning a ban on fish imports formal problems and that now the transition period unexpectedly imposed on November 24. has to be set out anew. The court had no The Russian ambassador was summoned to substantive objections to the transition period the Foreign Ministry where he was handed the note. granted to Estonia, he said.

13 Estonia's Foreign Trade Turnover Declines Iru Power Plant to Invest €5.1m in 1 Pct in September Technology Nov 27 - The value of Estonia's foreign trade in Nov 27 - The manager of the Iru heat and September was 23.6 billion kroons (€1.51bn), power station situated just outside the down by 1 per cent from August, preliminary Estonian capital Tallinn and executives of the data by the Statistical Office show. Russian company Technopromexport JSC If in the first eight months of the year the signed an agreement to upgrade the plant's foreign trade turnover increased by 30 per cent technology in a project costing 80 million year-on-year on the average, then in September the kroons (€5.1 mln). growth in annual comparison was only 12 per cent. The aim of the project is to reduce the The slowdown was caused primarily by a environmental impact from the operation of the heat decrease in the export of machinery and equipment, and power generating station at Iru and to increase the Statistical Office said. efficiency, the state-owned energy utility Eesti Some 64 per cent of exports in September Energia, the owner of the Iru plant, said. went to member states of the European Union and In the course of the project the winner of the 12 per cent, to CIS countries. A year ago the public procurement tender will replace the old gas corresponding indicators were respectively 77 and burners with more modern and more environment- 10 per cent. friendly ones, and upgrade the power plant's The main countries of destination were automatics. Finland (16 per cent of all exports), Sweden (12 per Two tender offers were received in the public cent) and Latvia (10 per cent). EU countries procurement tender from companies active on the accounted for 75 per cent and CIS countries 14 per international market -- Energico OY of Finland and cent of all imports in September compared to 77 and Tehnopromeksport JSC of Russia. 9 per cent, respectively, in September 2005. The work must be completed by the end of Imports from Finland made up 19 per cent of next year. the total. Some 35 per cent of the total 80 million Imports from Germany accounted for 13 per kroon project cost will be paid using Iru plant's cent and goods from Russia, 12 per cent of all proceeds from the sale of carbon dioxide emission imports. quotas. Iru Elektrijaam (Iru Power Plant) is a power Shares in Playtech Continue to Rise on and thermal energy generating station that is part of London SE the Eesti Energia group.

Nov 24 - Shares in the online games software Port of Tallinn Gearing Up for development company Playtech have again started to climb after setbacks on the London Construction of New Berth in Paldiski stock exchange. Nov 28 - The state-owned Port of Tallinn has Shares in Playtech, which has a development launched a public procurement tender to find team of nearly 200 in Estonia's Tartu, traded at the the designer of a berth for mixed and bulk 2.4 pound level at noon November 24; at the cargoes to be built in the South Port of beginning of October the share cost nearly one Paldiski, a coastal town lying some 50 pound less. kilometres to the west of Tallinn. Playtech was listed on the stock exchange The depth of water alongside the 230-meter this March. quay would be 13.5 meters and construction is due to be completed in summer 2008. Gutta Invests €3.5m into New Lines The state-owned port company also is preparing to have new railway branches built to the Nov 23 - The fruit juice producer Gutta AS port of Muuga near Tallinn. That project is linked to opened two new production lines in Estonia, the industrial park to be set up at Muuga. the sum total of the investment being 3.5 Another plan is to build a direct connection million euros. between the A and B terminals of Tallinn's One of the lines will increase Gutta's passenger port. As a result, the A terminal would be production capacity of bottled waters and lemonades used exclusively for boarding and the B terminal for capacity threefold; the other line is for the arriving passengers in the future, the company said. production of two-litre juices in a new format. Right now both terminals are used for both In the next few years Gutta, the present incoming and outgoing traffic. The change would leading Baltic juice producer, is planning to become make the movement of passengers and above all also the leading producer of bottled water. vehicles in the port's territory more logical. By 2008 Gutta AS is planning to increase its production capacity from the present 70 million litres a year to 120 million litres. Skanska EMV Signs €55m Contract to Of this year's output 96 per cent will be Build Phase One of Medical Campus in consumed in the Baltic countries. Of this half will be Tartu consumed in Latvia and the rest in equal parts in Nov 28 - The construction company Skanska Estonia and Lithuania. EMV and Tartu University Hospital signed an In addition to the Baltic countries Gutta sells agreement to build the first phase of the its products also in Germany, , Russia and Maarjamõisa medical campus in the southern Belarus. Estonian university city of Tartu.

14 The work will cost 863.2 million kroons (€55.16 The new generation 1A ice class fast mln). passenger ship is 186 meters long with a 27.7 meter Construction will start in early 2007, after beam, it can travel up to 27.5 knots and its engines the necessary preparations have been completed. are rated at 48,000 kilowatts. The purpose of the project is to concentrate The ship has 11 decks with 2,300 seats and all active clinical activities into a compact centre and 520 berths in cabins. The ship can take on up to end clinical activities in old buildings. 1,900 passengers and the 2,000 lane meters of its Co-financing for the project is provided by car deck can hold 120 trucks or 450 cars. The cost the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). of the ship is more than 1.7 billion kroons (€107 Three tender offers were submitted on time mln). in the public procurement tender to build the new Tallink Group has ordered a similar ship also medical complex. from the Italian Fincantieri shipyard where it will be The offers came from Merko Ehitus, Skanska completed at the beginning of 2008. EMV and a consortium of Eesti Ehitus and Linnaehitus.

Viasat Forecasts Doubling of Digi-TV ESTONIAN REVIEW Viewers in Estonia (ISSN 1023-1951) Is issued by the Nov 23 - The Digi-TV services provider Viasat Press and Information Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Estonia forecasts that the number of digi-TV ISLANDI VÄLJAK 1, TALLINN, ESTONIA 15049 users in the country will double to 150,000 TEL +372 637 7600 clients next year. FAX +372 637 7617 Viasat sales director Jüri Meeksa said the Estonian Review is also available over the reason for the fast growth was rise in the popularity Internet at http://www.vm.ee of digital television and better information, as well To subscribe, please contact: [email protected] as tougher competition on the digi-TV market. "People are more and more prepared to pay for a high-quality TV picture and in this connection new aggressive service providers have arrived on the market," Meeksa said. In all there are about 500,000 households with television in Estonia, with most of them starting to view digital TV channels in 2012 when transmission of the analogue TV signal will stop. In the next few months Viasat will start providing on the Estonian market a service permitting to receive a digital TV picture anywhere with the assistance of an Internet connection and computer. Besides, the company will start offering digiboxes with a hard drive permitting recording of TV programs. Viasat has been providing digital TV services to its clients in Estonia since 2001. Viasat is part of MTG (Modern Times Group), a company listed on the Stockholm stock exchange that operates over a wide media spectrum: television, radio, printed media, e-trade and many other spheres. The MTG Group trademarks best known in Estonia are TV3, TV1000, Viasat Sport, Viasat Explorer and Star FM.

Tallink to Provide New Fast Ship Service Nov 23 - As of next spring, when a new fast ship arrives on the Tallinn-Helsinki route, Estonia's Tallink Group will start providing a new fast Tallink Shuttle service. The new fast boat to be launched at the Aker Yards Helsinki shipyard will provide all the same conveniences cruise ships do. But contrary to cruise ships the new ship will be able to cover the distance between Tallinn and Helsinki in less than two hours, Tallink reported. Thanks to the new ship Tallink will ensure year-round fast ship traffic between Tallinn and Helsinki. Thanks to its ice class the new ship will be able to sail even in winter and in any kind of weather.

15