Estonian Review E E S T I R I N G V A A D E VOLUME 20 NO 38 OCT 29 – NOV 4, 2010

FOREIGN NEWS FOREIGN NEWS Estonia Supports Activities of Civil Mission in Kosovo 2 November - The Foreign Ministry is supporting the International Civilian Office (ICO) in Kosovo with 1.5 million kroons (95 870 EUR). Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that the goal of the civil mission is to monitor the implementation of Martti Ahtisaari’s plan by the government of Kosovo and co- ordinate the international community’s activities. Foreign Minister Urmas Paet with Canadian Minister of International Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said Trade Peter Van Loan, 4 November. that in order to develop the nation, Foreign Minister Paet Discusses Estonian Air Plane Kosovo needs to move forward with Purchase with Canadian Trade Minister Van Loan establishing the principles of rule of law, integrating Kosovo’s Serbian 4 November - Foreign Minister Urmas Paet, who is in Canada for an community, and decentralising. official visit, said in his meeting in Ottawa with Canadian “The ICO has managed to do a lot International Trade Minister Peter Van Loan that Estonian Air’s in this area. For example, the civil purchase from the Canadian company Bombadier Aerospace is one mission has supported the creation of the most notable recent transactions in Estonia-Canada of many Kosovan state institutions economic relations. Van Loan, who has Estonian roots, said it is good and helped to mark off the southern that the Estonian national airline will begin using aircraft manufactured in border of Kosovo. They have also Canada. been able to create contacts with Foreign Minister Urmas Paet expressed support for the conclusion of a Kosovo’s Serbian population and free trade agreement between the EU and Canada. “The negotiation help decentralise the administration process with Canada has progressed smoothly, and hopefully an of Kosovo’s government,” he noted. agreement can be concluded in 2011. The EU would like to facilitate trade The activity of the civil mission ties with nations that share values with the Union,” Paet stated. “An EU includes support for Kosovo’s free trade agreement with Canada would improve competitiveness and economic development, within the provide new opportunities for Estonian entrepreneurs to expand their framework of which co-operation activities in Canada,” added the Estonian foreign minister. The European has been done with the IMF. “With Union is Canada’s second most important trade partner. the help of the ICO, it is also Paet stated that the Estonia-Canada youth exchange agreement that possible to send the necessary came into effect on 1 August provides a good opportunity to develop co- experts to Kosovo to help with operation between education institutions and businesses in the two reorganising and carrying out countries. “The agreement offers young people opportunities to reforms,” said Paet. supplement their academic or vocational education, gain work experience, The International Civilian Office and become familiar with another nation’s culture and society,” stated has been working in Kosovo since Paet. Thanks to the agreement, students and university students can 2008. The ICO is led by Pieter work in the host country and receive supplementary education for Feith, who is also the European advancing their careers on the basis of a pre-arranged work contract. Union Special Representative in In 2009, Canada was in 19th place in terms of total turnover among Kosovo. The ICO consults for the Estonia’s trade partners. Last year Estonia imported goods valuing 166 Kosovan government and million kroons (10.6 million EUR) from Canada, and import to Canada community leaders and works in reached 2 006 million kroons (128.2 million EUR). The large trade surplus close co-operation with the is due to the export of mineral fuels that do not meet the European Union European Union special envoy to standards. In addition to energy sources, Estonia also sells machinery and Kosovo, the local office of the equipment, animal products, and prepared food and drink products to European Commission, and the EU Canada. rule of law mission (EULEX Kosovo). Foreign Minister Urmas Paet also met with Speaker of the Canadian Estonia has six experts participating House of Commons Peter Milliken. The foreign minister visited a session of in EULEX. the House of Commons as well.

European Court of Human Rights Rules in on an equal footing,” he explained. He added that Estonia’s Favour in Military Pensions Case the first thing that needs to be done is to sign off on key agreements between the countries, such as the 4 November - Today the European Court of investment protection agreement and agreement Human Rights ruled in Estonia’s favour avoiding double taxation. regarding the complaints of 45 retired Russian During the meeting President Karimov expressed military servicemen against the Republic of his interest in Estonia’s changeover to the euro and Estonia, finding that Estonia had not violated the recent debates in the European Union about any rights protected by a convention. potential amendments to the Lisbon Treaty. The The applicants of the complaints alleged that Uzbek president is due to visit the EU in Brussels they have been discriminated against and their next January. proprietary rights—the right to a pension—had been Discussing the situation in Afghanistan, Prime violated. The accusers felt that if they are being paid Minister Ansip emphasised that Estonia is a pension on the basis of 1994’s “Agreement contributing to the mission for two reasons: that between the Republic of Estonia and the Russian problems of an international nature like the drug Federation concerning social guarantees for the trade and terrorism need to be dealt with at their military pensioners of the Russian Federation staying roots; and that foreign partners have a very on the territory of the Republic of Estonia”, then important role to play in building up the state in they are left without a pension and they have been newly independent countries or countries that have discriminated against, because generally it is not a regained their independence, as was the case in condition for receiving a pension in Estonia that a Estonia. The Uzbek president agreed with the person may not be receiving a pension from a Estonian prime minister that stability in Afghanistan foreign country as well, but the aforementioned was key to security in the Central Asian region as a Estonia-Russia agreement does contain this whole. stipulation. In their complaint, the accusers based Today also saw the Estonia-Uzbekistan economic their argument on the European Convention for the forum take place, which was opened by the prime Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental ministers of both countries. The main focus of the Freedoms and its Protocol No. 1. forum was identifying specific business In its ruling today, the Human Rights Court found opportunities. Prime Minister Ansip remarked that that the complaint is admissible; however, it Uzbekistan is geographically much closer to Estonia reached the conclusion that the rights of the than most people realise. “There is less distance applicants were not violated. The court noted that a between Tallinn and Tashkent than there is, for situation can only be called discrimination when example, between Tallinn and Lisbon,” he said. equals are not treated equally. The court found that “Distance shouldn’t be a reason for less motivation the plaintiffs were a special case bound by a special for us to work together.” set of rules, and therefore their different treatment The areas of co-operation that generated most was justified. The court also emphasised that there interest at the forum were a potential transit is a wide margin allowed to the state when the issue corridor from Uzbekistan to the Baltic Sea, co- at hand deals with the general measures of operation with regard to oil shale technology, and economic or social strategies. work in the fields of IT, construction and the The court agreed with Estonia’s explanation that production of sterile equipment. A nine-member in the given case one must take into consideration business delegation from Estonia attended the the particular historical context in which the 1994 economic forum. agreement was signed, and also the fact that the In his meeting with Uzbek Prime Minister Shavkat retired military servicemen knew the conditions of Mirziyoyev, Prime Minister Ansip mentioned tourism, receiving the Estonian pensions at the time that they increased trade and the IT sector as potential areas decided to remain in Estonia. Therefore, the court of co-operation. “20 years ago people from Estonia decided that the applicants are not comparable to were still visiting beautiful cities like Tashkent, any other group of pensioners in Estonia and Samarkand and Bukhara, and we ought to be therefore the rule that is in effect regarding their restoring those ties if we can,” said Prime Minister pensions does not violate their rights. In the case of Ansip. He also highlighted the co-operation potential other complaints issued, the Human Rights Court that lies in the use of infrastructure, such as the ruled the complaints inadmissible. opportunities that would be presented to Uzbekistan Plaintiffs have the right to appeal the case within by access to the Port of Tallinn, as well as three months of the decision being made and partnerships with Estonian Railways and Tallinn request that it be reviewed again by the 17 judges Airport. in the Grand Chamber. Although the two nations entered into diplomatic relations 16 years ago, today’s meetings represented the first high-level visit between Estonia Prime Minister Ansip Meets with Uzbek and Uzbekistan. President and Prime Minister 2 November - Prime Minister Andrus Ansip met Estonia Helps Relieve War Traumas of with Uzbek president Islam Karimov today. Children in Georgia Prime Minister Ansip said that the main aim of the 30 October - The Foreign Ministry is supporting first ever high-level visit between Estonia and the counselling of children who suffer from Uzbekistan was to foster relations between the two war traumas as a result of the armed conflict countries. “We are more than willing to develop in Georgia. The project is being implemented by mutually beneficial relations with Uzbekistan based Tallinn University, which is organising creative learning rooms for the children of the Ushapat Council. The Northern Dimension is also an external village school in Georgia. Within the framework of dimension of the Baltic Sea Region Strategy. the project, children will be introduced to painting, ceramics, photography, sculpture, and land art. Estonian Ambassador to San Marino Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that the goal Presents Credentials of the project is to alleviate the situation of children following the armed conflict in Georgia and support 29 October - Estonia’s new Ambassador to the their self-discovery through creative activities. Republic of San Marino Merike Kokajev “Education specialists emphasise that participation in presented her credentials to Captains Regent artistic activities strengthens a child’s self-esteem. of San Marino Giovanni Francesco Ugolini and This is particularly important if a child has post- Andrea Zafferani. Ambassador Merike Kokajev conflict stress,” said Paet. “Through the joint resides in Italy. creative activities being implemented in co-operation In the discussion that followed the presenting of by Tallinn University and Tbilisi University, we hope credentials, Ambassador Merike Kokajev noted that to expand the worldview of children in Georgia,” he relations between San Marino and Estonia are added. friendly and warm, and within bilateral relations Tallinn University’s international relations both sides are interested first and foremost in department, art institute, and Baltic Film and Media strengthening economic and cultural ties. “Since San School are all involved in the creative co-operation Marino has become an interesting travel destination project. The project will run from the fall of this year for Estonians, another co-operation sector is until the spring of 2011. The project will result in a tourism,” noted Ambassador Kokajev. The documentary film that will follow what takes place in ambassador stated that San Marino is very active in the creative learning rooms. international organisations. “Estonia is interested in The Foreign Ministry is supporting the project co-operating with San Marino in the UN and other with nearly 430 000 kroons from the Foreign international organisations,” said Kokajev. Ministry’s budget for development co-operation and Estonia established diplomatic ties with San humanitarian aid. Georgia is one of Estonia’s four Marino on 9 July 2003. San Marino is the world’s development co-operation priority partners. oldest democracy, having had that governmental structure since 1702. Foreign Ministry Secretary General Merike Kokajev was born in Tartu in 1956 and graduated from Leningrad State University with a Emphasises Importance of Creative degree in French language and literature. Kokajev Industries has been working for the Foreign Ministry since 2 November - At the meeting of the Northern 1991. Ambassador Kokajev has worked in the Dimension foreign ministers in Oslo, Foreign protocol department, the embassy in Brussels, Ministry Secretary General Marten Kokk Estonia’s permanent representation in Geneva, the emphasised that Estonia sees important co- Foreign Ministry’s division for international operation potential in the Northern Dimension organisations, and Estonia’s permanent Cultural Partnership that is to begin soon. representation to the UN. From 2005-2007 Kokajev Kokk stressed that Estonia hopes that the was a member of the UN Permanent Forum on Northern Dimension will develop into a vigorous and Indigenous Issues. Prior to assuming her current dynamic political and co-operation framework. “Two position, Merike Kokajev worked in the Foreign new partnerships of the Northern Dimension are Ministry’s state protocol department as the director about to kick off: the Transportation and Logistics of the division for ceremonies and visits. Since 2010, Partnership and Cultural Partnership. Prioritising Kokajev has been the ambassador of the Republic of cultural exchange and export is one trend that will Estonia to the Republic of Italy and the Republic of improve the competitiveness and visibility of the Malta, residing in Italy. Ambassador Kokajev speaks region,” said Kokk. “Cultural partnership gives an English, Russian, and French. opportunity to develop the creative industries of the entire region. By addressing the issues of creative Estonia to Repay 21-Year-Old Loan From industries, we can help form an appropriate Latvia environment and cultural communication network 4 November (BNS) - The Estonian government that will facilitate the work of creative enterprises,” Thursday decided to allocate more than two he added. He also invited his colleagues to visit the million kroons from its reserve in order to European Capital of Culture Tallinn in 2011. repay to Latvia a loan received 21 years ago. According to Secretary General Kokk, the According to an order of the government, 2 093 Transportation and Logistics Partnership is 071 kroons will be allocated to repay a loan the significant for improving the transportation Estonian Consulate General received from the connections of the Baltic Sea and Barents regions. Latvian Embassy in Washington in 1989. “Fixing transportation connections and using them The Estonian Consul General in New York, Ernst effectively, as well as addressing the facilitation of Jaakson, recalled that the financial situation of the border crossings, are important from the perspective Estonian diplomatic representation was poor. "The of the entire region’s development,” he said. finances of the state on which we had been The Northern Dimension is a primarily project- subsisting were running out. Survival of the based EU foreign policy instrument for regional co- representation was under a question mark," Jaakson operation. The European Union, Norway, Iceland, wrote in his book, “To Estonia”, published in 1995. and the Russian Federation all participate as equal Jaakson said in his memoirs that he had turned partners. The Northern Dimension’s everyday work to his Latvian colleague Anatol Dinbergs for help. also includes many other co-operation partner, like "So we got a one-off loan of 185 00 dollars, on for the four so-called Nordic councils— the Council of which we didn't have to pay any interest according Baltic Sea States, the Nordic Council of Ministers, to Dinbergs's promise.” the Arctic Council, and the Barents Euro-Arctic

3 Some time ago an appeal was published in the daily subjects, the introduction of state exams in two Eesti Päevaleht that by the anniversary of the parts starting next year, and obligatory upgrading Latvian state Estonia could repay its debt to Latvia, for teachers of Estonian. Teachers may also get the which is dire straits at present. The Latvian opportunity for a paid sabbatical year or half year. Independence Day is on 18 November. Concerning dialectal languages, compilers of the Estonian Prime Minister Andrus Ansip said at the development plan have set the aim at increasing the government press conference on Thursday that the volume of dialectal television and radio programmes government decided to repay the money to Latvia as from the present 20 minutes to 50 minutes, and find there was sufficient documentary proof of the loan. that instead of the present 7 000 people at least 8 The prime minister said that it was a mistake 000 people should take part in dialectal mass events that the loan had been overlooked such a long time. every year. "We would have been able to repay the loan long The programme sets the aim of 190 million ago. The issue arrived on the desk of the present kroons allocated for linguistic research and the government in a relatively unusual way - from the compilation of dictionaries and 119 million kroons ambassador's memoirs it came to Eesti Päevaleht for the development of language technology. and from Eesti Päevaleht to the Finance Ministry. I have spoken with my colleague [Latvian Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis - BNS] about it and DEFENCE NEWS have asked him to look for documents of the period. The loan relationship has been sufficiently proven for Next Saber Strike Exercise to be Held in the state to repay the 185 000 dollars," Ansip said. Estonia 29 October (BNS) - The Saber Strike military exercise of the three Baltic countries and the DOMESTIC NEWS United States has ended in Latvia, with the Estonia Among Countries With Very High next similar exercise to be held in Estonia. During the first week of the exercise that started Human Development in UN Report on 18 October the troops gathered at the Adazi 4 November (BNS) - In the United Nations training ground in northern Latvia went through human development report, Estonia has various combat routines such as conducting patrol, climbed to a place among countries with very searches, convoy and base protection, military high human development and is listed as No 34 spokespeople in Tallinn said. In Phase Two of the among 169 countries. exercise a multinational unit was formed to act in Compared with last year Estonia's position in the conditions resembling the NATO operation in UN human development report has improved, as last Afghanistan. "Despite some minor details, the joint year Estonia was listed as No 40 at the head of exercise being held for the first time was a success," countries with a high level of human development. said the commander of the Latvian ground forces, In the report released on Thursday, Norway is in Col. Igors Rajevs. the first place like last year, followed by Australia, The commander of the Estonian company, Capt. New Zealand and the United States. Sweden, a Kaido Kivistik, and deputy commander Lt. Jüri country with very high human development, is listed Pajuste said that all of the exercises conducted at as No 9 and Finland as No 16. Lithuania and Latvia Saber Strike were very similar to the operations are listed as No 44 and 48 and Russia as No 65 carried out in Afghanistan. "Only the landscape and among countries of high human development. weather conditions differ," Lt. Pajuste said. The purpose of the joint exercise of the four Development of Estonian Language to Get countries is to prepare Defence Forces personnel for Six Million EUR Over Seven Years missions in Afghanistan and develop co-operation between the allies' ground and air force units. 4 November (BNS) - The Estonian government is This year Saber Strike this year brought together going to allocate over six million euros for the more than 1 600 military. Taking part from Estonia development of the Estonian language, a sum was one company of the Scouts Battalion, the equal to 0.1% of the Estonian state budget United States was present with soldiers from the during seven years, the daily Eesti Päevaleht 172nd Infantry Brigade, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat reported. Team and other US Army in Europe units, Latvia Next week Education and Research Minister Tõnis with two infantry companies, and Lithuania with one Lukas will presumably send for endorsement to the infantry company. Saber Strike is scheduled to government the Estonian language development become a regular exercise hosted in turns by each plan for the next seven years. Its compilers want to of the three Baltic countries. allocate 959 633 000 kroons (EUR 6.13 mln) for The company of the Estonian Scouts Battalion keeping the language current and alive. that took part in the exercise is scheduled to start "The main idea of the plan is to keep the its tour of duty in Afghanistan next year. Estonian language at a level that could be used also in 2050," said Jüri Valge, language policy adviser to Estonia to Send Rapid Reaction Unit to the Ministry for Education and Research and one of the authors of the development plan, adding that Greece Estonian is already a well-developed language. "It is 2 November (BNS) - Estonia will send a rapid now necessary to take care that young people don't reaction unit of 19 border guards to Greece, switch to English and will continue to want to learn which is currently fighting against illegal and use the language," Valge added. immigration. A large proportion of the activities in the Sven Anderson, head of the border guard co- development plan have been projected into the operation office of the Police and Border Guard sphere of education. So the development plan Board, told BNS that Estonia would take part in the foresees linking the study of Estonian and other EU Frontex border operation in order to obstruct

4 mass illegal immigration into Greece. The first Receipts in October totalled 5.3 billion kroons. Tax border guards belonging to the rapid reaction unit receipts in the ten months are in line with the are already on their way to Greece and the last estimates based on the Ministry of Finance's members of the unit will arrive in the mission area in summer forecast. the second half of November. In the first ten months of 2009, 51.8 billion On October 25 Greece filed a request to the kroons of the planned full-year tax revenue amount EU border guard agency Frontex to dispatch rapid flew into the state budget, and 58.6 billion reaction units to Greece in order to obstruct massive kroons in the same period in 2008, the Finance illegal immigration. On the next day the director Ministry said on Thursday. general of Frontex decided to dispatch rapid reaction Receipts of social tax in the ten-month period units to Greece. On 27 October the Estonian Police totalled 22.1 billion kroons, 82% of the target. Of and Border Guard Board informed the agency of its this 2.2 billion kroons was paid into the budget in readiness to dispatch experts of the border guard October, 2% less than in October last year. area rapid reaction unit to the operation. Personal income tax receipts stood at 69.4% of It is the first time for Estonia to send a rapid the planned 12-month figure. reaction unit to the EU border guard mission. The Inflow of value-added tax during the ten-month European Union will cover the full costs of period came to 16.2 billion kroons, 85.2% of the participation in the operation. target. In October 1.6 billion kroons of VAT was paid The situation on the Greek-Turkish border is into the budget, a figure 7.7% smaller than in complicated, as the pressure of immigrants has been October 2009. Receipts were affected by bigger VAT transferred from the sea to the land border, refunds, the negative effect from which was partially Anderson said. offest by a month-on-month increase by 138.8 million kroons in declared sales.

ECONOMIC NEWS Port of Tallinn Freight Throughput Grows GDP Grew Six Percent in Third Quarter 16 Percent on Year in October 3 November (BNS) - The growth of Estonia's 1 November (BNS) - Ports of Estonia's state- gross domestic product (GDP) accelerated to owned Tallinna Sadam (Port of Tallinn) an annual rate of approximately 6% in the handled 2.94 million tons of freight in October, third quarter of 2010, according to an estimate 16% more than in the same month last year. published by the Finance Ministry on Cargo throughput in the January-October period Wednesday. totalled 30.2 million tons, which means an increase "Robust growth is supported mainly by the of 16.7% on annual comparison. Shipments of oil acceleration of the growth trend of the industrial products, the largest type of freight, grew 10.6% sector on the back of export. In addition, positive year-on-year to 20.9 million tons. Bulk cargoes - developments took place in the transport sector and mainly fertilizers, grain and crushed stone - swelled financial sector," said Erki Lõhmuste, adviser at the 38.6% to 4.7 million tons. Ro-ro shipments soared ministry's macroeconomics department. In the 32%, making up 2.9 million tons, and container transport sector, transit and export-import services, throughput increased 16% to 126 900 TEU. and financial sector, profits of commercial banks are Goods in transit formed 80% of the 10-month worth mentioning, he said. freight flows at 24.3 million tons. Estonian exports In the first quarter of this year the Estonian accounted for 2.6 million tons, up by 37.5% year- economy grew 2.0% and in the second quarter the on-year. Imports into Estonia surged 39.9% to 3.25 rate of growth was 3.1%. Statistics Estonia is million tons. scheduled to publish its flash estimate of third- The number of passengers who passed through quarter GDP growth on 11 November. the ports during the 10 months grew 7.9% on Lõhmuste said in his commentary that demand of annual comparison to 6.74million. the external environment continues to be strong and this has enabled Estonia to significantly boost export Harju Elekter More Than Doubles Q3 volumes. In the third quarter the pre-crisis level was Earnings achieved in exports. "Even though import is showing 4 November (BNS) - The listed Estonian solid growth figures too, because of weak internal electrical equipment manufacturer AS Harju demand its level remains far behind the level of the Elekter earned a net profit of 13.2 million period of rapid growth," he said. kroons (EUR 0.9 mln) in the third quarter of The contribution of private consumption in the this year, which marks a 2.3-fold increase over third quarter may be slightly positive despite the the same period in 2009. accelerating price growth, largely thanks to the Operating earnings of Harju Elekter in the three- strengthening of car sales that started in spring. The month period jumped 2.4-fold to 14.3 million decline in investments could have stopped and the kroons, the company told the stock exchange. Net contribution of inventories should be solidly positive earnings per share totalled 0.78 kroons compared just like in the second quarter, the adviser added. with 0.34 kroons in the third quarter of last year.

Consolidated sales revenue came to 173.7 million State Budget 84.7 Percent Full After Ten kroons in the third quarter, signalling a year-on-year Months increase of 44%. 4 November (BNS) - Tax revenue worth 52.3 Net profit for the first nine months of the year billion kroons (EUR 3.34 b) was paid into the doubled from the same period last year to 31.3 Estonian state budget in the period from million kroons. Sales revenue meanwhile dropped January to October, 84.7% of the amount 7.6% to 438.2 million kroons. projected for the full year. On the group's home markets, or in Estonia, Lithuania and Finland, 84.6% of products and

5 services were sold, against 93.6% a year ago. Just Oksanen's third novel, “Purge”, speaks the story like in the corresponding period in 2009, 65% of of a family from Estonia's recent past through the products and services were sold outside of Estonia. tragic experiences of the family's women. “Purge” This year, France, the Czech Republic and was first born as a play, which was staged at the Malaysia have been added as new markets and the Finnish National Theatre with great success. group has sold its products to those markets for In 2008 the novel won the most coveted Finnish 26.7 million kroons during the nine months. It has Finlandia literary prize and in 2010 the noted also sold its products to Latvia, Portugal and Poland, Runeberg prize. Last spring “Purge” was published and outside of the European Union to Belarus, also in Estonian. This year President Toomas Ukraine, Russia and Norway. Hendrik Ilves decorated Oksanen with the Order of In the third quarter an average 421 people were the Cross of Terra Mariana IV Class. employed by Harju Elekter, compared with 448 a Oksanen was born in 1977 in Jyväskylä to an year ago. Of the employees 270 were working in Estonian mother and Finnish father. Estonia, 69 in Lithuania and 82 in Finland. The core business of the group is the production British Publisher Puts Out Book About and sale of electrical distribution systems and Baltic Diplomats at Paris Peace control panels, which accounted for almost 90% of Conference revenues. 3 November (BNS) - The British Haus Publishing Visitors to Pärnu Increased This Summer has published a book about the statesmen who represented Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania at 3 November (BNS) - An estimated 258 000 - the Paris Peace Conference in 1919-1920. The 285 000 people visited the Estonian resort London-based company published the book by the town of Pärnu during the three months from outstanding British historian Charlotte Aston of June to August 2010, marking a slight increase Northumbria University, "Antonius Piip, Zigfrids from the estimated 244 000 - 270 000 visitors Meierovics and Augustinas Voldemaras. The Baltic last summer. States". The statesmen mentioned in the title of the Of the guests in the three-month period this year book represented their countries at the Paris Peace 23% were domestic tourists and 77% foreign Conference. The book focuses on the activity on the tourists, the Pärnu city government said. Baltic countries' delegations at the conference and Of foreign tourists, Finns made up 58.1%, 0.3% gives a brief overview of the Baltic countries' history more than a year ago. Swedes made up 3.6%, until the restoration of independence. Germans 2.9%, and Latvians and Russians 2.3% Although the first name of head of the Estonian each. With the exception of Latvians, whose share delegation and foreign minister appears as Antonius grew 0.5%, no significant changes took place in the in the title, he has been referred to by his actual breakdown of visitors by nationality. name, Ants, all through the book. Whereas in previous years foreign tourists named Ants Piip was an Estonian politician, diplomat and sanatorium and spa services as the main reason lawyer; Piip was also the first Estonian state elder. why they came to Pärnu, this year memories of In 1917-1919 Piip was a member of the Estonian previous visits were named by 18% of respondents, foreign delegation in St Petersburg and London and and Pärnu's quiet and peaceful urban atmosphere by took part in the Paris Peace Conference. 17%. The book was published in the Makers of the Of foreign visitors 98% were satisfied or rather Modern World series. The series of 32 books satisfied with their stay in Pärnu, yet the percentage launched in 2008 focuses on the Paris Peace of those who were very satisfied dropped by 12% Conference and other peace conferences that took from last year. place after World War I in the years 1919-1923. The city of Pärnu used street polls and data from The Paris Peace Conference was called after the Statistics Office to compile the survey. World War I and ran from 19 January 1919 until 21 January 1920 in order to reach an agreement on the terms of the peace treaty. CULTURAL NEWS Oksanen’s Novel Receives Translated Literature Prize in France 2 November (BNS) - Sofi Oksanen, a Finnish writer with Estonian roots, has been awarded ESTONIAN REVIEW the Prix Femina prize for translated literature (ISSN 1023-1951) in France, STT reported. Oksanen is the first Is issued by the Press and Information Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Finnish writer to have been awarded the prize, the ISLANDI VÄLJAK 1, TALLINN, ESTONIA 15049 agency said. TEL +372 637 7600 "It is a great honour to be in the same company FAX +372 637 7617 with such wonderful writers as Joyce Carol Oats and Estonian Review is also available over the Amos Oz," Oksanen said. She is now in Reikjavik, internet at http://www.vm.ee Iceland, receiving the literary prize of the Nordic To subscribe, please contact: [email protected] Council of Ministers. Estonian Review is compiled in co-operation with The Prix Femina Etranger prize is given to the the Baltic News Service http://www.bns.ee/ best translated novel published in France. The agency said that it would ne announced on Wednesday whether Oksanen will also receive the

Medici literary prize given in France. The biggest French bookshop chain, Fnac, elected “Purge” as the novel of the year.

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Estonian Review E E S T I R I N G V A A D E VOLUME 20 NO 39 NOV 5 - 11, 2010

FOREIGN NEWS FOREIGN NEWS Supporting Georgia’s Territorial Integrity is Fundamentally Important 10 November - During his meeting today with Georgian Foreign Ministry Gregory Vashadze, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet emphasised that Estonia supports Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “Both European Union and NATO member states must clearly observe Georgia’s territorial integrity and give practical weight to the non-recognition policy of Abkhazia and South Ossetia on a daily basis,” stated Foreign Minister Paet. “The strong and visible presence of the European Union in Georgia is also necessary,” stated Paet. “Therefore the European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia is currently Foreign Minister Paet with Canadian Foreign Minister irreplaceable for preventing new conflicts; the Lawrence Cannon, 5 November. mission should also have access to the regions Canadian Foreign and Defence Ministers Say of Abkhazia and South Ossetia,” he added. Estonia is Valued Ally in Ensuring Security In talking about Georgia’s integration with NATO and the EU, Foreign Minister Paet noted 5 November - At their meetings with Foreign Minister that it is important for Georgia to continue its Urmas Paet, Canadian Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon domestic and economic reforms. “Developing and Defence Minister Peter MacKay recognised Estonia’s economic relations between the EU and important and visible contribution to building up Georgia is a part of the broader integration Afghanistan. Foreign Minister Paet said that both Estonian and with the Union. Beginning negotiations for a Canadian soldiers work to stabilise the security situation in comprehensive free trade agreement is also a southern Afghanistan. Paet gave Cannon an overview of step towards EU integration. We have offered Estonia’s civil contribution to developing the health care system Georgia help in preparing for negotiations and in Helmand Province. “In its civil aid, Estonia focuses first and implementing reforms,” stated Foreign foremost on health care, improving the situation of women and Minister Paet. “We also support visa children, and establishing good administrative practices,” he facilitation coming into effect for citizens of added. Defence Minister McKay stated that Estonia’s soldiers Georgia travelling to the European Union,” he are highly valued allies in ensuring security in Afghanistan’s added. Helmand Province. Paet confirmed to Vashadze that Georgia Foreign Minister Paet invited Canada to participate in the will remain one of Estonia’s development co- Eastern Partnership Training Centre that will be established in operation priority countries in Estonia’s new Tallinn. “The training centre will focus on increasing development co-operation action plan for administrative capacity in the public sector of Eastern 2011-2015. Paet proposed to his colleague to Partnership states and on sharing reform experiences. The hold bilateral development co-operation participation of Canada and all of our international partners is related consultations at the beginning of 2011. welcome,” he stated. Foreign Minister Urmas Paet also Paet asserted that Estonia-Canada co-operation has been recommended that Georgia use the successful in the development aid sector as well. “In co- opportunities offered within the framework of operation with Canada we have shared economic policy EU Neighbourhood Policy and Eastern experiences with Ukrainian state officials and helped to alleviate Partnership to their fullest extent. the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti,” said Paet. While discussing bilateral relations, Paet Paet noted that Estonia would like to intensify relations with and Vashadze agreed that in order to intensify Canada by expanding its network of honorary consuls. “Estonia Estonia-Georgia economic relations, the legal just opened an honorary consulate in Halifax, and starting base must be further developed. “We are today a new honorary consul will begin working in Quebec,” he interested in an agreement for the protection stated. of investments and a social security Paet and Cannon also discussed developments in the Arctic. agreement coming into force as soon as Continued on page 2 possible,” Paet asserted.

Canadian Ministers long time already extended beyond military activity. “Afghanistan is Estonia’s bilateral development co- (continued from page 1) operation priority partner, and therefore our Paet said that Estonia would like for the role of the development aid and our efforts to stabilise the European Union in Arctic issues to increase and that security situation are focused on Helmand Province. the EU should gain observer status in the Arctic We wish to contribute to the health care and Council. “Because the Arctic is so vulnerable, all of education sectors,” stated the foreign minister, us co-operating is inevitable and would be beneficial confirming that Estonia will continue to co-ordinate for the environmental, economic and security health care matters in the UK-led Provincial sectors,” said Paet. Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Lashkar Gah. Paet At his meeting with Canadian Minister of Defence said that Estonia would like for aid co-operation to Peter McKay, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that develop into co-operation between the societies as Canada is welcome to participate in the work of the soon as possible. NATO Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Estonia. Governor Mangal said that Helmand Province has “Cyber crime does not recognise borders, which is clearly progressed in its development during the why international co-operation is extremely past few years, although the situation remains important for ensuring cyber security,” Paet complicated. Remarkable progress has been made in emphasised. Helmand during the past two years in both the Paet and McKay also addressed co-operation in security situation as well as in health care and NATO, including NATO’s new Strategic Concept, education. matters related to the Afghanistan mission, and Paet emphasised that one factor that is Estonia-Canada bilateral defence co-operation. necessary for developing Afghanistan’s society is the Canada was the first NATO member state to ratify efforts of the Afghan government to integrate the Estonia’s NATO accession protocol. nation and support domestic reconciliation. “In the

reconciliation of society, it is important that reforms Georgian Foreign Minister Invites in the name of integration cannot take place at the Estonian Speaker to Visit Georgian expense of human rights, especially those of Parliament women,” stressed the Estonian foreign minister. At their meeting, Paet and Mangal also discussed 11 November (BNS) - The foreign minister of Afghanistan’s parliamentary election that took place Georgia, Gregory Vashadze, delivered an in the fall and prerequisites for transferring invitation to Speaker of the Estonian responsibility for the security situation in different Parliament Ene Ergma from Georgian regions of Afghanistan. “Afghan President Karzai has Parliamentary Speaker David Bakradze to visit said that the Afghan security forces will be ready to Georgia. take on security responsibilities as of 2014. The fact During their meeting in Tallinn, Ergma gave the that the elections went fairly smoothly in Helmand Georgian foreign minister an overview of the role of Province shows that the Afghan army and police are the Estonian parliament in handling of the state constantly developing the capability to keep the budget and of the austerity policy during the peace in Afghanistan,” said Paet. “From Estonia’s economically difficult times. Ergma and Vashadze perspective, the most recent developments seem to also spoke about the tasks and the role of the suggest that in some regions of Afghanistan the opposition in the parliaments of the two countries as transfer may gradually begin,” Paet noted. well as on the local level, spokespeople for the Governor of Helmand Province Mangal will meet Estonian parliament said. this week with members of Riigikogu and In the words of Vashadze, the problem of the representatives of the foreign and defence Georgian opposition is its fragmentation, as people ministries. He will also participate in the do not gather on the basis of ideology but of international conference “Women, Peace and persons. At the same time, in the local elections for Security—the Afghan View” taking place in Tallinn the first time the focus lay on important topics such from 11-12 November. as social issues and the economy, peaceful transfer of power took pace and international organisations considered the elections democratic. Estonia knows from its own experience how important support from other countries is on the path of democratic reform, Ergma said, adding that Estonia supports Georgia in every way and contributes to increasing the visibility of the EU there.

All Forms of Co-operation Between Estonia and Afghanistan to Intensify 9 November - Bilateral relations between Estonia and Afghanistan are becoming closer and more diverse all the time, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet acknowledged today during his Foreign Minister Urmas Paet with Governor of meeting with Governor of Afghanistan’s Helmand Province Gulab Mangal, 9 November. Helmand Province Gulab Mangal. Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that co- operation between Estonia and Afghanistan has for a President Stresses Importance of Via prevalent in the region and restoring trust and Baltica in Meeting with Latvian PM understanding among people,” said Paet. “Peace and stability in Central Asia are key issues in the further 5 November (BNS) – Latvian Prime Minister development of the region. Potential new conflicts Valdis Dombrovskis visited Estonia and met are a threat to the entire region and have a negative with Prime Minister Andrus Ansip and influence on the entire region, including President Toomas Hendrik Ilves. Afghanistan,” confirmed the Estonian foreign Estonian Prime Minister Andrus Ansip and Latvian minister. Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis discussed their Foreign Minister Paet also expressed hope that support for the creation of a crisis management the nations involved would fully co-operate with the mechanism in the EU and are ready to join it, Ansip commission and guarantee the members of the said. "If it is necessary to change one sentence in commission access to the necessary information. the basic treaty for progress then Estonia is The goal of the unbiased investigation commission prepared to go for it," he said. created on the initiative of the Nordic countries is to Dombrovskis noted that the visit to Estonia is his study the causes of the conflict, draw conclusions first foreign trip as head of the new government. He and make recommendations for alleviating tensions congratulated Estonia on the changeover to the and preventing future conflicts. Currently the single euro currency, adding that Latvia endeavours members of the commission have already begun to fulfil the Maastricht criteria by 2012 and adopt the working and gone on-site to Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, euro in 2014. Kazakhstan and Russia. The investigation Both prime ministers noted that opportunities for commission will present its report at the end of bilateral co-operation will come under discussion at January 2011. The investigation committee has a special conference in the Latvian capital Riga on seven members from Estonia, Finland, Australia, 10 December. Turkey, France, Russia, and Great Britain. Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves said in In June of 2010 a violent conflict erupted in the his meeting with Latvian Prime Minister Dombrovskis southern part of Kyrgyzstan, during the course of that he hopes that both the Rail Baltica and the Via which at least 350 people died, according to official Baltica project remain a priority for Latvia's new data. At least 300 000 people were forced to flee government. Ilves stated that both transport their homes, and over 100 000 people, most of projects, the railway link and the road link, are for them of Uzbek descent, fled to Uzbekistan, and Estonia among the most important aspects of Baltic many also to Kazakhstan and Russia. co-operation next year, the president's office said. "We want to start close co-operation to launch Estonia Chosen as Member of UN Women passenger train traffic on the existing railway route Tallinn-Riga-Kaunas-Warsaw," Ilves said. "This Executive Board requires a political agreement between Estonia, 11 November - On 10 November the UN Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and the European Economic and Security Council chose Estonia Commission that all parties are ready to start as a member of the Executive Board of the drawing up the economic and technical conditions, newly created UN Entity for Gender Equality or the so-called Rail Baltica Action Plan." and the Empowerment of Women (UN In the president's words, the fact that the prime Women). minister's first foreign trip during his new term was The new UN agency, which was created on 2 to Estonia demonstrates better than a thousand July, will address women’s rights and equality issues words the close communication and stable relations all over the world and implement concrete and between the two countries. focused programmes for improving the situation of Ilves and Dombrovskis hailed the completion of women in developing countries. The creation of the NATO's new strategy concept and underlined that agency was preceded by six months of intense the strength and the credibility of the alliance negotiations among the UN member states led by depend on each member state's contribution to the ambassadors of Estonia and Tunisia in order to collective defence. achieve an agreement on bringing together all of the UN sub-organisations addressing the rights of Estonia Supports Work of International women under one agency. The agency UN Women, Commission Investigating Conflict in created under the leadership of Estonia and Tunisia, will be led by former president of Chile Michelle Kyrgyzstan Bachelet. 8 November - The Foreign Ministry is supporting The Executive Board is the governing body of the the work of the unbiased international UN Women agency, which supports the agency on commission investigating the violent conflict behalf of the member states and monitors the that erupted in the southern part of Kyrgyzstan agency’s activities. Estonia was chosen largely in June of 2010 with 7 000 euros. In addition to thanks to its visible past contributions to promoting its financial contribution, Estonia also has one expert women’s rights in the work of the UN. Estonia’s working on the commission – President of Tallinn membership status in the Executive Board of the UN University’s Academy of Law Rein Müllerson. Entity for Gender Equality (UN Women) will last until Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that the the end of 2012. From 2007-2009 Estonia was the international community has repeatedly emphasised chairman of the Consultative Committee of the UN the necessity of clarifying the reasons behind the Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), which is Kyrgyzstan conflict and opportunities for avoiding now a part of UN Women. similar incidents in the future. “Estonia supports the There are a total of 41 UN member states on the work of the unbiased international investigation executive board of UN Women, through which all the commission, which was created on the initiative of regions in the world are represented. the Nordic countries. Investigating the events in June is necessary for lessening the tensions that are

3 told Her Majesty about Estonia’s transition process Estonia, Finland Back Punishments for to the euro. Violators of EU Stability Rules The Queen also recalled her encounters with Estonians that were living in exile in the 1950s. 9 November (BNS) - Estonian Prime Minister Ambassador Aino Lepik von Wirén was born in Andrus Ansip and his Finnish counterpart Mari 1961 in Stockholm. She graduated from the faculty Kiviniemi, in their meeting in the Finnish of law at Stockholm University in 1987 and has also capital Helsinki, expressed support for studied at the University of Surrey in England. Aino imposing punishments for violations of the Lepik von Wirén has done diplomatic work since European Union's financial stability rules that 1994, when she began working in the Foreign would be applied automatically. Ansip said in his Ministry’s legal department as the head of the remarks to BNS that on the level of the European human rights division. From 1994-1999 Aino Lepik Union the views of Estonia and Finland were von Wirén was also Estonia’s representative to the completely similar. European Commission Against Racism and "We are both interested in creating a permanent Intolerance (ECRI), and from 1997-1999 she was crisis management system on the level of the EU, the director general of the legal department. and both Finland and Estonia are countries that Following that, Aino Lepik von Wirén was the respect a conservative fiscal policy and adhere to Estonian ambassador to Portugal from 2003-2006 the same principles. We want for the EU member and the Estonian ambassador to Israel from 2007- states to meet the criteria of the stability and 2010. Before assuming her current position, Aino growth pact," he said. Lepik von Wirén served as the Foreign Ministry’s Ansip and Kiviniemi stated that bilateral relations undersecretary for legal and consular affairs. between Estonia and Finland and their co-operation Lepik von Wirén speaks Swedish, English and in the EU have developed well and the state of French. Aino Lepik von Wirén is married with one political and economic relations between the son and one daughter. countries is good. As the Estonian premier pointed out, a quarter of the direct foreign investments made in Estonia have been made by Finnish companies, Finland is Estonia's largest trade DOMESTIC NEWS partner, and 19% of Estonia's exports go to Finland. Parliament Ratifies Agreement for Entry The prime minister of Finland highlighted the into OECD stability that the euro has offered to the Finnish 10 November (BNS) - The parliament here on economy. Even though Finns had been using their Wednesday ratified the agreements on markka since 1860, they nevertheless decided to Estonia's accession to the Organisation for give up their cherished currency and join the euro Economic Co-operation and Development zone, because they saw very big advantages in the (OECD). euro compared with their beloved and cherished The ratification bill covers three agreements: the markka, the Estonian premier said. OECD Convention, the privileges and immunities Ansip and Kiviniemi spoke about the co- agreement between the Estonian government and ordination of taxes on the level of the EU. "We, too, the OECD, and the agreement setting out Estonia's have co-ordinated our tax policy decisions with our rights and duties as an OECD member. neighbours, it's not about harmonisation of taxes Estonia expressed interest in becoming a but about co-ordination. Of course it is in Estonia's member of the OECD back in 1996 and received an interest," Ansip said. invitation to accession talks in 2007, which ended The prime minister said Estonia shouldn't fear the this spring with the signing of the accession harmonisation of tax policy either. "When we speak agreement. about the tax base, we are interested in greater Estonia will become a full member of the OECD harmonisation, because through it member states of after depositing the instrument of accession with the the EU will actually become comparable. Estonia as depositary government, France. That can happen we know has very few tax exemptions, favourable still before the end of this year. tax rates, and in order for tax rates to be better comparable the tax bases should be harmonised," he said. DEFENCE NEWS Estonian Ambassador to United Kingdom Aaviksoo Discusses Defence Co-operation Presents Credentials with British Colleague 11 November – Estonian Ambassador to the 5 November - Minister of Defence Jaak Aaviksoo United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern met his British colleague Liam Fox this Ireland Aino Lepik von Wirén presented her morning to discuss issues related to mutual credentials to Queen Elizabeth II. defence co-operation between the two In the discussion following the presenting of countries. A wide range of defence policy issues credentials, Her Majesty and Ambassador Lepik von were discussed during the meeting. The ministers Wirén discussed bilateral relations between Estonia talked of the upcoming NATO summit in Lisbon, and the United Kingdom and acknowledged the very expressing their satisfaction with the draft of the good co-operation between the two nations. Queen new strategic concept of the alliance. Other topics Elizabeth II recognised the Estonian soldiers that covered were the future of the Baltic air policing participate in battle activities in Afghanistan’s operation and British contribution to this operation, Helmand Province alongside British soldiers. Queen the co-operation between NATO and Russia, and the Elizabeth II expressed interest in Estonia’s current role of Turkey in European security architecture. economic situation and the Estonian ambassador Aaviksoo also thanked Fox for good co-operation in Afghanistan and especially for the treatment of

4 wounded Estonian servicemen in the University of Estonia Gets 81 mm Mortars from USA Birmingham and Headley Court Rehabilitation 9 November (BNS) - US Ambassador Michael C. Centre. Polt presented the Estonian Defence Forces Defence Minister Aaviksoo expressed delight for with 12 mortars supplied to Estonia by the the fact that after a long time he was able to hold a United States as military assistance. The 81 mm meeting with his British colleague. “I am happy to M252 mortars, of which 80 units total will be given say that the preparation of Estonian copter pilots in to Estonia within the project, will significantly co-operation with UK is also progressing improve the capability of Estonian mission units. successfully. We also achieved an agreement for the They will also be used to equip wartime units of the visit of minister Fox to Estonia and a possible joint Defence Forces, military spokespeople in Tallinn visit of the defence ministers of Estonia, UK and said. Denmark to Afghanistan in the beginning of the The United States will definitely continue co- coming year,” Aaviksoo said. operation with its ally Estonia not only through close Defence minister Fox emphasised the need for diplomatic, political and strategic relations, but is intensification of defence co-operation between the also giving a tangible sign of its continued Nordic and Baltic countries and the United Kingdom contribution to our common defence capability and and Poland. On the initiative of Fox, a joint meeting the future of the alliance, Polt said according to with the defence ministers of UK and Poland will be remarks relayed by the spokespeople. "The United held next week in Oslo within the framework of the States government has this year contributed more meeting of the Nordic and Baltic defence ministers. than nine million dollars to the military assistance In the afternoon Minister of Defence Aaviksoo programme for Estonia," the ambassador said. also visited the Headley Court Rehabilitation Centre, "Estonia's defence co-operation with the United where Estonian servicemen wounded during foreign States is not only strategic in the framework of missions are being treated. NATO and tactical on the mission in Afghanistan, but

also emotional, which has found expression both Nordic, Baltic Ministers Discuss Future of during the landing exercise in Lahemaa this summer Defence Co-operation as well as in today's delivery of weapons received as 11 November (BNS) - A meeting of the defence a gift," the Estonian Minister of Defence Jaak ministers of the Nordic and the Baltic countries Aaviksoo said, adding that this served as a was held in Oslo. The focus was on the future of conformation of genuine brotherhood in arms. defence co-operation between the countries, and a The mortars will be used in Afghanistan by the separate meeting was held with leaders of the mortar unit of the Estonian infantry company whose defence ministries of Britain, Poland and Germany. task is to provide long range fire support to the Estonian Defence Minister Jaak Aaviksoo said infantry during operations. The Estonian infantry deepening defence co-operation among the five company in Afghanistan has been using a mortar Nordic countries and past successful activities platoon to support its activity since 2008. between the Baltic countries have created a good Under the same programme, Estonia will get four foundation for defence co-operation in the so-called sets of Raven unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, or Nordic-Baltic format. "This meeting gave that co- drones, as military assistance from the United operation a clear political base and framework. The States. Each of the sets consists of three aircraft and common projects would be regular joint manning of a ground control station. the European Union's Nordic Battle Group, developing the Baltic Defence College to become a regional training institution, and developing the ECONOMIC NEWS Baltic Sea surveillance system SUCBAS (Sea Economy Grows 4.7 Percent in Third Survaillance Cooperation in the Baltic Sea and Approaches)," Aaviksoo was quoted by spokespeople Quarter as saying. 11 November (BNS) - Estonia's gross domestic The Estonian minister said this was a good sign, product grew by 4.7% in the third quarter of showing that despite the formal fragmentation of this year compared to the same period of 2009, northern Europe common understanding in the the national statistics office reports. domain of defence was good and the desire and The GDP of the third quarter was above all skills to work closely were at a good level. He influenced by the growth of value added in expressed confidence that the co-operation will be manufacturing created due to a strong increase in successful and of practical benefit for Estonia. exports, Statistics Estonia said. The sales of Within the framework of the same get-together, manufacturing production on the domestic market a meeting of the Nordic and Baltic defence ministers increased as well, indicating an improvement in took place with Britain's Defence Secretary Liam Fox domestic demand. Domestic sales of manufacturing and the state secretaries of the ministries of defence production increased last in the first quarter of of Germany and Poland. 2008. Aaviksoo said that these countries together make According to preliminary calculations the gross up more than a quarter of Europe and have close value added produced by the industrial sector as a security interests and risks. “I see this co-operation whole increased by 14%, and without taking the as having future, first of all in the joint surveillance economic activity of construction into account, even of air and sea, but definitely also in cyberspace. It by 23%. Besides manufacturing, the industrial would be fine if all these countries could work sector also includes mining, electricity, gas and together within the framework of the NATO Cyber water supply, and construction activities. In Defence Centre of excellence in Tallinn," said the construction, the output of which is mainly targeted Estonian minister. at the domestic market, the generated value added showed a continued downward trend.

5 In addition to the manufacturing sector, growth Month on month exports grew by 18% and of the value added created in the wholesale and imports by 10%. retail trade and transport, storage and communications activities also had a bigger impact Tallink Accounts for 60 Percent of Tallinn on GDP growth. Growth of the value added in Port’s Passenger Flows financial intermediation accelerated mainly due to a strong growth in the net interest income. 9 November (BNS) - In October 657 879 The value added of households, non-profit passengers passed through the port of Tallinn, institutions and the general government sector of whom 60% or 422 797 were clients of the decreased, preliminary figures show. listed Estonian shipper Tallink. Quarter on quarter, the seasonally and working- Next came Viking Line and Eckerö Line with day adjusted GDP increased by 0.5% in the third respectively 148 771 and 83 091 passengers, it quarter, by 1.9% in the second quarter and by 1.1% appears from statistics of the port. in the first quarter. Thus, in the comparison of Other shipping companies served 2 439 successive quarters, the GDP growth rate slowed passengers and cruise ships carried 781 passengers down somewhat in the third quarter. Estonia's GDP in October. All told 6.7 million passengers passed grew by 3.1% year-on-year in the second quarter. through the port of Tallinn in 10 months compared Before showing year-on-year growth in the to 6.2 million during the same period last year. second quarter, the Estonian economy last expanded on annual comparison in the fourth Number of Tourists Staying in quarter of 2007. Accommodation Establishments Up by Tenth Estonian Air to Fly to Europe with 10 November (BNS) - In the first nine months of Intermediate Stops this year 1.9 million foreign and domestic 5 November (BNS) - The strategy of the Estonian tourists stayed at Estonian accommodation national carrier Estonian Air calls for operating establishments, 11% more than during the flights to Europe with intermediate stops in same period last year, the national statistics Poland, for instance, in order to boost the load agency said. The number of foreign tourists factor of planes, ensure profitability, and add increased by 13% and that of domestic tourists by daily destinations. 8%. Presenting the vision of the company's strategy From January to September 1.2 million foreign to journalists on Friday, Estonian Air CEO Andrus tourists stayed at accommodation establishments in Aljas said the operation of the Tallinn–Vilnius– Estonia. This exceeds by 7% results for the same Amsterdam route so far has proved that success can period of 2008, the best year for accommodation be achieved with intermediate stops. In July, for establishments of the past decade. Foreign tourists instance, the load factor of Tallinn–Vilnius– continue to account for two thirds of the total Amsterdam flights was 90%, which is a very good number of tourists and they mostly use the services result in aviation. of accommodation establishments of Tallinn. The chairman of the supervisory board of More than half, or 53%, of foreign tourists Estonian Air, Joakim Helenius, said that because of arrived from Finland, 100 000 from Russia and the small size of the Estonian market it was not 75,000 from Germany. An increase on annual possible for Estonian Air to serve a large number of comparison was recorded in the number of tourists destinations with a good load factor. from all major partner countries. The number of domestic tourists staying at Exports in September Biggest in Last Two accommodation establishments from January to Years September exceeded 600 000, which marks an increase of 8% compared to the same period last 9 November (BNS) - Exports of goods from year but falls short of the figures for 2007 and 2008. Estonia in September were the biggest in the The average cost of a guest night in an last two years, amounting to 13.2 billion accommodation establishment was 446 kroons (EUR kroons (EUR 841 mln), the national statistics 29), 3% lower than a year ago. The average cost office said. The monthly imports totalled 13.5 was the highest in the capital city Tallinn at 538 billion kroons. The export turnover was last on a kroons. In the southwestern seaside resort of Pärnu similar level in October 2008. Year on year, exports the average cost was 365 kroons. of goods grew by 40% and imports by 35%. The trade deficit was 0.3 billion kroons. The shortfall decreased nearly two times compared to September 2009. CULTURAL NEWS Estonian exports to European Union countries Parliament Speaker Unveils Memorial amounted to 9.2 billion kroons, accounting for 70% Tablet to Estonian Artist in Marrakech of total exports. Exports to EU countries increased 6 November (BNS) - Speaker of the Estonian by 41% on annual comparison. Riigikogu Ene Ergma, who is on an official visit Exports to non-EU countries grew by 37%. to Morocco, unveiled a memorial tablet to the Imports of goods from EU countries totalled 11.3 renowned Estonian artist Eduard Wiiralt in billion kroons, making up 84% of total imports. Marrakech. The tablet, with texts in Estonian, Compared to September 2009, imports from EU French and Arabic, marks the place in the Old Town countries increased by 39%. Imports from third of Marrakech where the artist lived for a while countries increased by 20%. before World War II. The trade deficit with EU countries was 2.1 billion The Estonian Foreign Ministry reached an kroons. In trade with third countries a surplus of 1.8 agreement in negotiations with the Marrakech billion kroons was recorded. municipal authorities on preserving the memory of

6 the artist in the place where he used to live, SPORTS NEWS spokespeople for the parliament said. Novosjolov Takes World Epee Title Wiiralt lived in Marrakech from July 1938 till February 1939. Art historians have noted that his 9 November (BNS) - Nikolai Novosjolov of stay in Morocco gave him fresh energy and Estonia won the men's epee world title at the inspiration, singling out prints like "Young Arab" world fencing championships in Paris on (mezzotint, 1940) and "Berber Girl with a Camel" Monday, beating France's Gauthier Grumier, (soft ground, 1940). holder of the 2006 world team title, 15-8 in the Ergma met in Marrakech with the city's first final. Jean-Michel Lucenay of France took the female mayor Fatima Zahra Mansour. The two bronze medal. exchanged thoughts about cultural exchanges, Novosjolov won his semifinal 15-11 against finding that Tallinn's status as the European Capital Gabor Boczko of Hungary, while Lucenay lost 15-12 of Culture 2011 offers good opportunities for this. to Grumier in the semifinals. "I couldn’t do anything The mayor was pleased to observe that Wiiralt was against Novosjolov. I was destroyed (by him)," already in the 1930s an important cultural Grumier ws quoted by the Associated Press as ambassador who brought her country closer to saying. "I tried to vary my game but nothing much Estonians. worked. I was at my best and at 200% during the tournament. He just crushed everybody." Canadian Estonian Have Made Strong In the opening round of the main tournament Contribution to Estonia’s Development Novosjolov beat Fabian Kauter of Switzerland 15-11 and advanced to the eighth-final by upsetting the 6 November - Foreign Minister Urmas Paet met world's top ranked Jorg Fiedler of Germany 13-12 in in Ottawa and Toronto with members of the overtime. He then defeated Spain's Marius Alvarado Estonian community in Canada. He stated that 15-12 and in quarterfinals came out victorious the role Estonians living in Canada play in against Italy's Enrico Garozzo, juniors world preserving Estonia’s culture and traditions is very champion from two years ago, 15-14. important, and many Canadian-born Estonians have For Novosjolov, this is the second medal from contributed to the development of the Estonian World Championships after his 2001 silver as part of nation after re-independence. “Following the the Estonian team. restoration of Estonia’s independence, many Estonians from Canada have returned to their fatherland, and Estonia has benefited from their experiences and expertise. Many Estonians that have lived in Canada have also helped to develop Estonia’s foreign service,” Paet added. Paet stated that Canada holds a special significance for Estonians, as it provided a safe refuge for ESTONIAN REVIEW thousands of their fellow countrymen. “For those (ISSN 1023-1951) who fled the Soviet occupation and escaped to Is issued by the Press and Information Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Canada, the country provided safety as well as ISLANDI VÄLJAK 1, TALLINN, ESTONIA 15049 opportunities to study, work, and become a part of a TEL +372 637 7600 society that values multiculturalism. Currently one of FAX +372 637 7617 the biggest Estonian communities in the world is Estonian Review is also available over the found in Canada,” added Paet. internet at http://www.vm.ee Foreign Minister Paet said that thanks to the To subscribe, please contact: [email protected] Canadian-Estonian community, Estonia and Canada Estonian Review is compiled in co-operation with have always shared good cultural ties. “Through the Baltic News Service http://www.bns.ee/ cultural and individual contacts we have the opportunity to introduce Estonia better in Canada. For example, an Estonian documentary short film festival was just recently held in Toronto,” he added. Almost every year since 1990 has seen the occurrence of Estonia-Canada cultural days, during which it is possible to hear Estonian music, watch Estonian films, and become acquainted with Estonian culture and art. Estonians in Canada are represented by the Estonian Central Council in Canada, which was established in 1951 and has the goal of developing and preserving cultural, economic and other ties between Estonians in Canada and the Estonian state. In addition, many cities also have Estonian societies that work to organise events and help people who are living in Estonia. Large numbers of Estonians are mainly concentrated in three areas of Canada: Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.

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Estonian Review E E S T I R I N G V A A D E VOLUME 20 NO 40 NOV 12 - 18, 2010

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE “WOMEN, PEACE FOREIGN NEWS AND SECURITY” IN TALLINN Paet, Bildt Discuss Good Estonia-Sweden Co-operation 15 November - At their meeting in Stockholm today, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt confirmed both Estonia and Sweden’s participation in the European Union Nordic Battle Group in the first half of 2011. Estonia will participate in the battle group with 50 soldiers. Paet stated that comprehensive and close co-operation with Sweden is important to Estonia. “Sweden and The international conference “Women, Peace and Security – the Estonia are participating together in Afghan View” in Tallinn, 12 November. the stabilisation of Afghanistan, and

Women Experience Disproportionately Greater Suffering in we share the viewpoint that international contributions must Conflict Situations continue until Afghanistan no longer 12 November - At the international conference “Women, Peace and poses a threat to the rest of the Security – the Afghan View” in Tallinn today, Foreign Minister Paet world,” he added. emphasised that significantly improving the rights and security of The foreign ministers also spoke women is a priority of Estonia’s foreign policy, development co- about European Union-Russia operation, and human rights activities. Speakers at the conference relations. Paet and Bildt confirmed included Finnish Minister Elisabeth Rehn, European Commission their support for Russia joining the Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs, Deputy Minister for Women’s World Trade Organisation (WTO). Affairs of Afghanistan Palwasha Kakar, and Assistant Deputy Secretary “We still must resolve the border- General of NATO Stephanie Babst. crossing queue problem,” Paet Foreign Minister Paet stated that that the key to resolving conflicts and added. In talking about the crises and ensuring security is the protection of civilians, especially upcoming Organisation for Security women. “As a member of the UN, NATO, EU, and OSCE, Estonia and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) participates actively in ensuring international peace and security. We summit, Paet and Bildt both felt that contribute to international military and civil missions in countries where the OSCE must seriously address resolving conflicts and establishing peace are directly tied to the Georgia’s territorial integrity and implementation of UN resolution 1325, and we also take the gender matters related to the Transnistria aspect into consideration in planning our own activities,” the foreign and Nagorno-Karabakh frozen minister said. conflict. The ministers also expressed As an example, Paet mentioned Estonia’s development co-operation Estonia and Sweden’s support for the activities helping Afghan women in the health care and education sectors. continuation of European Union “We have supported the provincial hospital in Helmand Province by enlargement negotiations with supplying essential medical equipment, trained midwives, and shared first Turkey and Iceland and the aid knowledge with women in the province,” Foreign Minister Paet conclusion of negotiations with asserted, emphasising that an Estonian health care expert is still working Croatia. to co-ordinate health care activities in the UK-led Provincial Estonia and Sweden are also Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Lashkar Gah. “Afghan women play a very preparing a visa representation important role in shaping the future of the nation and in the gradual agreement, according to which transition of security responsibilities to the Afghan forces. The rights of Sweden would start representing women and girls must not be forgotten during this process,” Paet stated. Estonia for the issuing of visas in the Foreign Minister Paet said that the situation of women in Afghanistan Republic of South Africa and Cuba. has improved over the past few years in comparison with what it was. Foreign Minister Paet will also “Afghan women have the right to vote and be candidates in parliamentary meet today with European Union elections, and more girls have the opportunity to go to school and get an Affairs Minister Birgitta Ohlsson. education,” Foreign Minister Paet said as an example. “Afghan women and During his visit, the minister also women’s organisations are also more and more active when it comes to plans to meet with the Estonian matters of peace and security,” he added. community in Stockholm. Continued on page 2

Women, Peace and Security Revolution, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet expressed hope that the Czech Republic would (continued from page 1) soon become a full member of the NATO Cyber “In a conflict, one party can always claim victory, Defence Centre of Excellence. “The more NATO but building peace must involve everybody: the members we have participating in the work of the weak and the powerful, the victors and the centre, the more qualified the centre will be to offer vanquished, men and women, young and old. high-level cyber-related advice to NATO member Particularly, there is a need to ensure the states,” said Paet. “NATO’s cyber security engagement of women in all stages of a peace capabilities must increase and be flexible enough to process,” said Foreign Minister Paet, quoting Martti react to cyber developments in the world,” he Ahtisaari. added. The international conference “Women, Peace and The Estonian foreign minister recognised the Security – the Afghan View”, organised in co- Czech Republic’s participation in protecting Estonia’s operation by the Foreign Ministry and the Estonian airspace. “The Czech Republic last participated in Atlantic Treaty Association (EATA) is focused on how the Baltic air policing mission last year, and it will do to better take into consideration the role and so again in 2012,” he added. contribution of women in international conflict While talking about EU Eastern Partnership, the resolution and in building up a post-conflict society. foreign ministers emphasised the importance of The conference has brought together the strengthening Eastern Partnership and continuing experiences of the EU, NATO, and the UN. co-operation in this sector. “Frozen conflicts hinder

the development of European Union partner Opening Embassy in Cairo Has Given countries. The European Union must support and Boost To Estonia-Egypt Relations supplement international efforts to resolve frozen 18 October - During his meeting with Egyptian conflicts and take on a greater role than before in Assistant Foreign Minister Ahmed Fathalla, these endeavours, which the Eastern Partners Foreign Minister Urmas Paet emphasised that expect us to do,” stated Paet. “In co-operation with the opening of the Estonian Embassy in Cairo the Eastern Partners we must focus on programmes has given a boost to the intensification of that have quick and tangible results,” he added. relations between the countries. “Our embassy Paet recognised the Czech Republic’s desire for in Cairo is not working actively. We hope that Egypt closer co-operation with the Baltic states. “Co- will open an embassy in Tallinn soon,” said Paet. operation between the Estonian and Czech foreign At the meeting, they spent time discussing ministries has been close—consultations on security opportunities to develop Estonia-Egypt economic co- policy and European Union policy have taken place,” operation. The foreign minister stated that many Paet noted. Estonian entrepreneurs have successfully started The Czech foreign minister also had a meeting doing business in Egypt. “Egypt also continues to be with President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, who recalled a popular tourist destination,” he said. their countries' common history. Ilves said the Paet and Fathalla expressed satisfaction that Velvet Revolution in 1989 was an important part of political consultations between Estonia and Egypt the chain of events that freed both countries from have become a regular occurrence. “The alien power and returned Estonia and the Czech consultations are very useful for developing bilateral Republic to democratic Europe. relations, but also for information exchange about Ilves and Schwarzenberg also spoke about the developments happening in Egypt and in the regional co-operation between the Visegrad region as a whole,” Paet noted. Foreign Minister Paet countries and the Baltic states, the investigation of said that Egypt is the leading nation of the Islam crimes of totalitarian regimes, and a proposal to and Arab worlds and the European Union’s most mark a Day of Remembrance for victims of all important partner in Northern Africa and the totalitarian regimes on 23 August. On that day in Mediterranean Union. Egypt is also an important 1939 Stalin's Soviet Union and Nazi Germany signed contributor to the Middle East peace process. “We the pact that carved up Eastern Europe between the welcome Egypt’s contribution to restoring direct two countries.

Israel-Palestine negotiations in September 2010. We consistently support the two nations achieving a solution through the Middle East peace process. It is also essential that the parties to the conflict continue their negotiations,” Paet emphasised. Another topic addressed at the meeting was Estonia-Egypt co-operation in international organisations, primarily in UN structures. “We told Egypt about our candidacy for the UN Human Right Council from 2012-2015 and for a non-permanent position in the UN Security Council from 2020- 2021,” said Paet.

Czech Republic is Important Contributor to Estonia’s Security 17 November - At his meeting in Tallinn with Foreign Minister Urmas Paet with Czech Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg, 17 today, on the anniversary of the Velvet November. Estonian and Latvian Foreign Ministers how the suggestions made in the Nordic-Baltic Discuss New Electricity Connections co-operation report could help to make co- operation in the region more effective. 16 November - During his meeting in Tallinn The Foreign Ministry secretary general stated today with new Latvian Foreign Minister Girts that Estonia will be the chairman of the Baltic Valdis Kristovskis, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet Council in 2011. “Next year we are ready to work emphasised that in order to ensure the energy together with the co-ordinator of Nordic-Baltic co- security of Estonia and all of Europe there operation, Finland, and we have made our goal the must be a functioning energy market and implementation of the ideas set forth in the report, connections among the member states. “The thereby taking Nordic-Baltic co-operation to a new plan to connect the Baltic energy market is a good level,” he said. example of a regional initiative to resolve these According to the Foreign Ministry secretary issues in the European Union,” said Paet. “We are general there are 38 concrete co-operation interested in creating a truly functioning electricity suggestions made in the Nordic-Baltic report, and at market in the Baltic states,” he asserted. the meeting today it was decided which suggestions While talking about co-operation within the would be addressed first and which ones required framework of EU Eastern Partnership, Foreign more analysis. “For example, the Nordic and Baltic Minister Paet noted that Latvia is welcome to countries would like to intensify foreign and security contribute to the Eastern Partnership Training policy dialogue and have greater co-operation in Centre being established in Tallinn, which will focus forming common positions. We could also have more on training young government officials from Ukraine, active co-operation in the future among the foreign Georgia, Moldova, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Belarus services of the countries in the region. For example, and sharing reform experiences. “Focusing on we could create a co-operation network among our programmes with visible results, like for example diplomatic representations and co-operate in border management, the fight against corruption, or offering consular aid or exchanging diplomats,” said supporting small businesses, would give more Kokk. “If we could better co-ordinate our foreign purposeful support to the reform process in our policy positions, it would certainly help to make our partner nations,” he added. region more visible and increase our influence in On the topic of bilateral cultural relations, Paet international organisations,” he added. noted that Estonia-Latvia cultural and educational Nordic-Baltic co-operation, or NB8, is a regional contacts have been close throughout the years. co-operation format that includes Sweden, Finland, “Estonia is interested in Estonian language and Norway, Iceland, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, and culture continuing to be taught in Riga. This Lithuania. opportunity is provided by the Riga Estonian Secondary School, which currently has 160 Consulate General in Shanghai to Accept students,” stated Foreign Minister Paet. “In Valga the Estonian-Latvian Institute is still active—the Visa Applications Starting 1 December Latvian language is also taught there,” he added. 12 November (BNS) - The Estonian consulate- “We also hope that the Estonian-Latvian and general in Shanghai, China, will start accepting Latvian-Estonian translation prize established last visa applications from 1 December, therefore year gives momentum to Estonian and Latvian Estonia will terminate its visa representation language and cultural exchange,” Paet added. agreement with Finland. According to Foreign Minister Paet, Estonia-Latvia Estonia opened its consulate in Shanghai on 29 co-operation in visa representation and consular April this tear but it took time to get the work is also going well. “Estonia represents Latvia representation into full gear. The consulate is for the issuing of Schengen visas in Sofia, Bulgaria, prepared to start receiving visa applications as of 1 and Latvia issues visas for travel to Estonia in December. Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan,” said Paet. Finland only represented Estonia for the issuing Estonian-Latvian co-operation was also the of visas for a couple of months. A visa principal topic of discussion at the meeting between representation agreement signed with Finland Estonian Prime Minister Andrus Ansip and visiting entered into force on 1 August. Latvian Foreign Minister Girts Valdis Kristovskis. By opening its consulate in Shanghai, Estonia "We are pleased that the co-operation between hopes to continue to contribute to the development Estonia and Latvia has reached a new level," Ansip of contacts with China and other Asian countries and said. "The report on future co-operation suggests to make Estonia more widely known. The opening of quite a few co-operation projects with good the consulate will also simplify provision of consular prospects. The report contains numerous good services and assistance to Estonians living or proposals whose implementation will help forge travelling in the region. closer ties between Estonians and Latvians, on the The costs of opening and functioning of the one hand, and raise the competitiveness of our consulate will be covered jointly with Enterprise countries in the world, on the other." Estonia. A representative of Enteprise Estonia works A high-level conference will be held in Riga in on the same premises with the consulate. The December to discuss the implementation of the Estonian consul in Shanghai is Andre Lipand. recommendations given in the report. Estonian MP Chosen as NATO PA Nordic-Baltic Co-operation to Be Taken to Rapporteur on Afghanistan Next Level in 2011 15 November (BNS) - The NATO Parliamentary 12 November - Meeting with his colleagues from Assembly's Defence and Security Committee the Nordic and Baltic nations in Riga today, decided at the annual session in Warsaw to Foreign Ministry Secretary General Marten focus on Afghanistan in its next annual report Kokk spoke about the future of the region and and picked Sven Mikser, chairman of the

3 Estonian parliament's Foreign Affairs Four New Ambassadors Present Committee, for the chief rapporteur. Credentials to Estonian President "The Afghanistan stabilisation operation is the largest and most important NATO-led mission," 18 November (BNS) - Estonian President Toomas Mikser said through spokespeople for the Estonian Hendrik Ilves met on Thursday at his Kadriorg Social Democratic Party, of which he is a member. residence with new ambassadors of the United Mikser believes that despite remarkable Arab Emirates, Moldova, Switzerland and South developments in the country, Afghanistan will Korea, who presented their credentials to the remain in the focus of attention for years to come. head of state. "Estonian policies towards Afghanistan have been Credentials were presented by UAE Ambassador effective and active, the best example is the work of Mohammed Ahmed Al Mahmood, who is based in our military in Helmand province, one of the Berlin; Moldovan Ambassador Victor Guzun, who country's regions with the most complicated security resides in Tallinn; and the Swiss and South Korean situation," he said. "It is natural and sensible for us envoys, Maurice Darier and Park Dong-Sun, both of to continue helping shape international attitudes whom are resident in Helsinki, the president's office towards the future of Afghanistan using for this said. among other things the opportunities offered by parliamentary diplomacy," he said commenting on his new role at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. The Defence and Security Committee also approved Mikser's report on preparations for handing over security responsibility to Afghanistan's own security forces. Mikser has been a member of the Estonian President Toomas delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Hendrik Ilves with since 2003. He chaired the subcommittee for Ambassador of the transatlantic defence and security cooperation in United Arab 2004-2008 and was vice president of the assembly Emirates and special rapporteur on the alliance's new Mohammed Ahmed strategic concept in 2008-2010. al Mahmood, 18 November. Estonian Ambassador to Luxembourg

Presents Credentials 16 November - Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Mariin Ratnik presented her credentials to DEFENCE NEWS Grand Duke of Luxembourg Henri. In the discussion that followed the presentation Aaviksoo Discusses Upcoming Lisbon of credentials, Ambassador Ratnik and Grand Duke Summit with Danish Colleague Henri discussed Estonia and Luxembourg’s bilateral 16 November - Defence Minister Jaak Aaviksoo relations. Ambassador Mariin Ratnik stated that they met today with Danish Defence Minister Gitte focused mainly on economic matters during their Lillelund Bech. At the meeting of the defence discussion. “We talked about the current situation in ministers the standpoints of Estonia and Estonia’s economy and accession to the euro zone,” Denmark were harmonised to intensify mutual said Ratnik. The ambassador noted that Grand Duke co-operation. “Both Estonia and Denmark are Henri praised Estonia during their meeting. Grand satisfied with the draft of the new Strategic Concept Duke Henri said that Estonia sets a good example of NATO, since it confirms that collective defence for other nations that would like to join the euro remains the main task of NATO,” said Aaviksoo. zone, and that our emergence from the economic Issues concerning the Afghanistan operation downturn is remarkable. Energy policy matters and were also addressed. According to Aaviksoo, Estonia-Russia economic relations were also Denmark is one of the biggest contributors in addressed during the discussion. Afghanistan and has, in relation its population, Ambassador Mariin Ratnik was born in 1976 in suffered the biggest losses. Tartu. She graduated from the economics “In order to end the Afghanistan mission department of Tartu University and has furthered successfully, it is extremely important to have her studies at the Estonian School of Diplomacy and solidarity among all allies, expressed in the principle in the international relations department at ‘we start together and we finish together’. Together Humboldt University in Berlin. Ratnik has worked for with Denmark we hope that giving the responsibility the Estonian foreign service since 2000. She has of security to Afghans in more peaceful provinces been an advisor on relations with the European enables the other allies to contribute more in Parliament at the Estonian representation to the Southern Afghanistan where up to now the main European Union, an economic advisor at the weight has been on the British, American, Danish Embassy of the Republic of Estonia in Berlin, a and Estonian soldiers,” said Defence Minister division director in the Foreign Ministry’s European Aaviksoo. Union department, and the director of EU affairs at Aaviksoo also expressed his condolences to the State Chancellery. Ambassador Mariin Ratnik is Lillelund Bech regarding the death of Danish also the Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia to Sergeant Jørgen Randrup, who was killed in the Belgium. province of Helmand on Sunday. After the meeting with Aaviksoo, Lillelund Bech also visited the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence.

4 and thanked them for their contribution to security Estonian Defence Will Similar to That of in Afghanistan. Finland, Switzerland "Although marking Remembrance Day started with the end of World War I, it is not only the fallen 13 November (BNS) - Estonian Defence Minister who are remembered on that day but also those Jaak Aaviksoo said in the final report of the who returned from wars alive, regardless of which rd 23 Higher State Defence Courses at Roosta side they fought on," said the chief of the Estonian that the Estonian public opinion was becoming contingent, Lt. Col. Riho Ühtegi. "This is a tradition more and more reminiscent of Finland and that is little known in Estonia. Today it definitely Switzerland. received added weight from falling on the same day "Growth of the Estonian population's support for as Father's Day. Many of us have children back at the Defence Forces and the Defence League, growth home who are longingly waiting for their fathers to in support for NATO membership and foreign return home.” missions, and the desire for resistance in case of a "We know how to honour and remember the military threat suggest that we can be critically fallen but tend to forget those who returned alive. In satisfied and compare ourselves with countries such today's speeches we, Estonians, were remembered as Finland and Switzerland in that respect,” a media along with soldiers from other countries. This gave officer reported Aaviksoo as saying. food for thought whether the Estonian society too Aaviksoo said that inculcation of the defence will shouldn't mark a day in honour of our veterans," would not be possible without national self- Ühtegi said. consciousness and a certain self-confidence. "I Armistice Day is marked on 11 November as the would like to believe that not just the state defence armistice between the allies of World War I and aspect has been behind the growth in the defence Germany took effect at 11 o'clock in the morning on will but formation of a consciousness of being a that date in 1918. citizen and formation of the identity of the state," In Estonia the day is marked at the initiative of Aaviksoo said. the British embassy in the military cemetery every “By our practical activity both in terms of foreign year. Estonia also marks the Memorial Day for those policy as well as in military terms we have ensured who fought in the War of Independence on the day a our security position, which is stronger than ever ceasefire with Russia came into effect in 1920, 3 before and there is no danger in sight in the January. foreseeable future that could influence it," the defence minister said. The defence minister said that we should not underestimate the role soldiers on international ECONOMIC NEWS missions were carrying out and to regard this as Estonia Ran 98 Mln EUR Account Surplus barely meeting our obligation as allies. "The in September reputation of Estonian soldiers in the eyes of our 15 November (BNS) - The current account of allies is very high, our soldiers are keen and highly Estonia had a surplus of 1.534 billion kroons valued on the battlefield. Such feedback gives us (EUR 98 mln) in September 2010, according to reason to believe that Estonia is seen as having a flash estimate by the Bank of Estonia. defence will and capability and the Estonian state as The bulk of the surplus again came from the strong," Aaviksoo said. services account, which had a surplus of 1.897 During the six-day 23rd Higher State Defense billion kroons. Exports of services came to 4.627 Courses the attendees received a thorough overview billion kroons and imports to 2.730 billion kroons in of Estonia's security and defence policy, foreign September. policy, the organisation of state defence and its Also the trade balance had a small surplus in legislative environment, international defence co- September, with exports amounting to 13.203 billion operation, defence investments and domestic and imports to 13.070 billion kroons. In the income security, as well as connection of state defence with account net money flow was negative by 554 million different spheres of life. kroons.

Incoming direct investments totalled 1.437 billion Soldiers Commemorate Fallen Comrades kroons and outgoing direct investments 290 million in Afghanistan kroons, corresponding to a net inflow of 1.147 billion 15 November (BNS) - Estonian soldiers serving kroons. In portfolio investments a net outflow of 131 in Afghanistan commemorated together with million kroons took place. In July Estonia's current allies the war dead in Armistice Day account had a surplus of 1.6 billion kroons and in ceremonies; they met with Prince William August of a little over one billion kroons. before the service. Based on the monthly figures the surplus in the Members of the Estonian contingent in third quarter should have amounted to over four Afghanistan paid tribute to the fallen at the billion kroons. Armistice Day service at Camp Bastion in the southern province of Helmand and met with high Cruise Passengers Leave Over 14 Mln EUR representatives of the UK, the General Staff said. in Estonia This Season The ceremony was attended by more than 1 500 17 November (BNS) - A total of 391 000 cruise allied troops. During it a memorial to British soldiers passengers passed through Tallinna Sadam killed during the Afghanistan operation was (Port of Tallinn) this year, leaving over EUR 14 unveiled. million kroons in Tallinn while making Before the ceremony Estonian soldiers met with purchases in the city. Revenue from port fees, Prince William and British Defence Secretary Liam pilot and Maritime Administration charges, and fees Fox. The prince showed interest in the Estonians' paid to ship agencies, travel bureaus, bus companies area of responsibility and relations with local people

5 and tourist attractions visited should be added to "If the president of the Republic of Finland hands this sum. over such high awards to two Estonian According to the Port of Tallinn the sum total of biotechnology development centres it is of very high an average purchase was 567 kroons (EUR 36.2), importance,” VUTAK CEO Riin Ehin said, adding that nearly twice as much as last year. The tourists for recipients of the prizes this could mean a mainly bought consumer goods and souvenirs. significant breakthrough to the Nordic countries' The number of cruise passengers was 6.4% lower market. "It is clear that the programme of this year than in 2009, the port said. This year 45 technology development centres has been successful cruise companies and 67 different cruise ships called in Estonia." at the Port of Tallinn, and there were a total 282 The quality innovation prizes are issued by calls, of these 280 to the Tallinn City Port and two to Estonian and Finnish quality associations. The prizes Saaremaa Port. have been given out in Finland since 2007. This year There were passengers from 190 different it was possible for Estonian organisations to apply countries among the cruise tourists. Most of the for it on an equal basis with Finnish companies. cruise passengers were from the United States, Great Britain, Germany and Spain. This season contrary to last year also passengers from Russia CULTURAL NEWS called at the Port of Tallinn on board cruise ships; Antti Jokinen Appointed Film Director of their share among the cruise passengers was 4%. For next year calls of 289 ships are expected at Oksanen’s “Purge” the Port of Tallinn. 13 November (BNS) - Antti Jokinen has been appointed director of a film based on “Purge”, Cargo Carriage of Estonian Ports Up By the successful novel by Sofi Oksanen, a Finnish Quarter in October writer with Estonian roots, the Finnish YLE broadcasting company reported. Jokinen is 18 November (BNS) - According to Statistics better known for international pop and rock videos, Estonia the country's ports handled 3.9 million but next year his first long film, “Resident”, will be kroons of goods in October, 25.5% more than screened. in October 2009. Compared with September cargo The movie rights of the book belong to Finland's handling grew by 2%. Solar Film, and the script will be written by Marko In October 2.9 million tons of goods were loaded Leino. According to the producer, Markus Selin, the and 961 300 tons were unloaded, respectively 25.4 film should be completed by 2012. and 26% more than in October 2009 and “Purge”, Oksanen's third novel, speaks about respectively 5% more and 5.6% less than this Estonia's recent past through the tragic experiences September. of the women of one family. “Purge” was first born In the first ten months of this year 37.75 million as a play which had its first night at the Finnish tons of goods were loaded and unloaded at Estonian National Theater with great success. In 2008 the ports, nearly 20% more than in the same period in novel won Finland's most prestigious Finlandia 2009. literary prize and in 2010 the coveted Runeberg prize. Finnish President Gives Quality Last spring “Purge” was also published in Estonia. Innovation Prizes to Estonian Companies This year Estonian President Toomas Hendrik 11 November (BNS) - At an international Quality Ilves decorated Oksanen with a Class Four Order of Day gala Thursday evening attended by Finnish the Terra Mariana Cross. President Tarja Halonen, the Estonian Oksanen was born in 1977 in Jyväskylä to an Tervisliku Piima Biotehnoloogiate Estonian mother and Finnish father. Arenduskeskus OU (Healthy Milk Biotechnologies Development Centre, TPBA) and Feanor OÜ won Quality Innovation prizes, while AS Vähiuuringute Tehnoloogia Arenduskeskus (Cancer Studies Technology ESTONIAN REVIEW Development Cetner, VUTAK) earned special (ISSN 1023-1951) recognition. Is issued by the A press spokesman reported Estonian Economic Press and Information Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Affairs and Communications Minister Juhan Parts as ISLANDI VÄLJAK 1, TALLINN, ESTONIA 15049 saying that the companies' achievement was TEL +372 637 7600 praiseworthy in several senses. "First, it provides FAX +372 637 7617 proof that co-operation between enterprises and Estonian Review is also available over the science bears fruit. At the same time you are an internet at http://www.vm.ee example for others because you achieved To subscribe, please contact: [email protected] recognition in an international competition and Estonian Review is compiled in co-operation with international status of Estonian enterprise must the Baltic News Service http://www.bns.ee/ become a daily affair," he said. TPBA won the prize for a novel clinically tested TENSIA microbe stem that brings down blood pressure and Feanor for milling cutters that can achieve a considerable economy of time and resources, the ministry said. VUTAK earned special recognition for its oncogenetic testing and advisory service aimed at early assessing and/or diagnosis of cancer risk.

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Estonian Review E E S T I R I N G V A A D E VOLUME 20 NO 41 NOV 19 - 25, 2010

NATO SUMMIT IN LISBON Allies That Share NATO’s Responsibilities Deserve Special Treatment 20 November - Late last night, during the foreign ministers’ meeting that took place within the framework of the NATO summit in Lisbon, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that in developing relations with its partners NATO must keep in mind which states contribute to NATO-led military missions and thereby are already sharing its security responsibilities. Prime Minister Andrus Ansip and the other heads of government at Paet added that in the light of the NATO summit in Lisbon, 20 November. NATO NATO’s new Strategic Concept, the compilation of a new NATO Ministers Say Good Balance Achieved in NATO’s Strategic partnership plan for non-NATO Concept members is also necessary. “We must single out the nations among our 20 November (BNS) - Estonian Prime Minister Andrus Ansip said partners that are on the path to that a good balance has been achieved in the new strategic becoming NATO members or possess concept of NATO between traditional and new threats. separate framework agreements,” he In remarks relayed by the government's communications office, added. Ansip said that in order to achieve success NATO needs to deal with a The Estonian foreign minister wider circle of threats than before, bring in partners, and in doing so assigned special importance to co- continue to offer credible deterrence. operation between NATO and the EU. "The most powerful defence organisation in history has been “We must overcome obstacles that successful because we do not only respond to existing and emerging hinder NATO-EU co-operation. There threats but are actively shaping the security environment that are 21 nations that belong to both surrounds us," the prime minister said, adding that a good balance had organisations and share the same been achieved in the concept between traditional and new threats. values. Therefore co-operation is Ansip stressed that the military capability of NATO depends directly logical and the only possible option,” on the level of defence spending by its members. He said that Estonia Paet added. takes very seriously the goal to allocate two percent of its gross national product to national defence within the next few years. In the words of Estonia's Defence Minister Jaak Aaviksoo, the strong Paet: NATO Needs Allies and emphasis that the new concept places on Article 5, the article of the Open-Door Policy North Atlantic Treaty committing alliance members to collective 19 November - At the Young defence, strengthens Estonia's feeling of security. Atlanticist Summit taking place on "In addition, the document references the need to conduct constant the sidelines of the NATO summit military planning and exercises and joint activities to train for actions in Lisbon, Foreign Minister Urmas on the basis of these plans," said the minister of defence. Paet spoke to the future leaders of Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said, referring to the text of the Euro-Atlantic region about the the new strategic concept, that the organisation has adapted to future of NATO and Europe and change, however remaining the same by its basic nature and goal. "The emphasised the need to preserve principle -- one for all, all for one -- is unwavering. With equal strength NATO’s open-door policy and there stands in the text the message to all democratic countries of promote partnership relations, Europe: NATO doors are open to those who wish to join it and no third particularly when it comes to country has the right to subvert this," Paet said. handling new security threats. The strategic concept is the second most important document for “We are firm supporters of NATO’s NATO after the treaty signed in Washington in 1949, defining the open-door policy and feel it is challenges that the alliance is faced with and its goals in the changed important that this principle gets clear security environment for the next five to fifteen years. approval in NATO’s new Strategic The currently valid strategic concept, the sixth such document for Concept,” said Foreign Minister Paet. NATO, was endorsed at the alliance's summit in Washington in 1999. Continued on page 2

Young Atlanticist Summit and democratic reforms. “The EU must be ready to move forward with concluding visa facilitation and a (continued from page 1) readmission agreement, but we also need to see The foreign minister added that Estonia continues to further concrete steps from Belarus,” Paet asserted. support Georgia and Ukraine’s integration with In conjunction with recent events in Burma, NATO. “We are also happy that Montenegro and Estonia feels it is regrettable that the elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina have been given Burma were neither free nor democratic. “In order Membership Actions Plans. We also support to achieve stability and development in Burma, Macedonia’s accession to the alliance,” he asserted. international reconciliation and the initiation of the Foreign Minister Paet also noted that, like every democratic process are essential. Releasing all country, NATO also needs strategic partners, political prisoners would provide an opportunity to especially when it comes to new security challenges. begin a true transition to democracy,” said the “In facing 21st century security challenges that do foreign minister. not recognise state borders, the importance of The council also discussed the situation in Sudan having like-minded partners across all continents in relation to the independence referendum to be has become an invaluable asset,” said Paet. held in Southern Sudan on 9 January 2011. The When speaking about emerging security Estonian foreign minister stated that the consistent challenges, Paet said that Estonia has proven its implementation of the Comprehensive Peace reliability and competence in cyber security. “Two Agreement is urgently needed to ensure peace in years ago the NATO Cyber Defence Centre of Sudan. Currently the reigning political situation in Excellence was founded in Tallinn. In addition to Sudan is very delicate and, according to UN data, NATO member states, the centre is also open to co- the humanitarian situation in the country has not operative relations with non-NATO nations, improved recently either. universities, research institutions, and businesses as During the General Affairs Council, the member Contributing Participants,” Paet stated. states confirmed that a crisis management Foreign Minister Paet also highlighted co- mechanism for the euro zone is necessary. Also operation with international organisations, under discussion was the EU’s initiative to improve particularly the EU and UN, as an important issue for its ability to respond to disasters, ensuring good co- NATO. “Co-operation with international organisations ordination among the EU and its member states so is especially needed in Afghanistan so that our joint that the correct aid would reach the correct people efforts can be successful,” emphasised Paet. as quickly as possible. “Addressing the global security challenges of the 21st The Commission introduced its working scheme century like cyber threats, climate change and for the year 2011, which focuses on economic energy security will become the responsibility of growth. “For example, the plan includes the today’s youth,” Paet stated. completion of financial services reform and the The goal of the Young Atlanticist Summit taking strengthening of the EU internal market. In relation place in Lisbon is to give future leaders of the Euro- to the internal market, Estonia believes the essential Atlantic region a chance to meet world leaders and factors are the digital agenda, including the leading security experts and discuss the global advancement of digital signatures across the entire security situation and its future. EU and the creation of a common European contract

law support framework,” Paet noted.

FOREIGN NEWS Paet Meets With First Nicaraguan Foreign EU Foreign Ministers Prepare for EU- Minister to Visit Estonia Russia Summit 25 November - At his meeting today with the 22 November - Today in Brussels the European first ever Nicaraguan foreign minister to visit Union foreign ministers discussed preparations Estonia, Samuel Santos Lopez, Foreign Minister for the summit with Russia. Estonian Foreign Urmas Paet emphasised the necessity of Minister Urmas Paet said that at the EU-Russia observing Georgia's territorial integrity. “It is summit taking place on 7 December there are plans essential to continue the non-recognition policy on to discuss development in the four largest sectors: the international level. Nicaragua's decision to the global economic environment; climate change; recognise the independence of South Ossetia and European Union-Russia relations, including Russia Abkhazia and to establish diplomatic ties with them joining the WTO, negotiations for a new EU-Russia does not help to resolve the situation that has agreement, the energy sector, visa-free travel, and developed,” said Foreign Minister Paet. “In the frozen conflicts; and international topics like interest of alleviating the post-conflict situation, we Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the Middle East. must ensure the effectiveness of the work of Paet said that the EU-Russia visa dialogue should international monitors in Georgia. Estonia feels it is continue but that all the conditions must be fulfilled necessary for the UN mission to return to all of before implementing visa freedom. “It is also Georgia's territory,” he added. important for the EU to encourage Russia to do During the meeting, the foreign ministers also more to resolve the Transnistria and Nagorno- discussed Estonia's experiences in the information Karabakh conflicts,” said Paet. “Estonia also feels it technology sector. “We are prepared to welcome is important for Russia to join the World Trade Nicaraguan experts that are interested in Estonia's Organisation (WTO),” added the foreign minister. information technology solutions,” said the Estonian In talking about developments in Belarus, Paet foreign minister. clarified that progress in Belarus and EU-relations When discussing opportunities to intensify depends on a marked development in rule of law bilateral relations, Foreign Minister Paet proposed to his colleague that Nicaragua could be represented at case, we must find a solution to the border queues, the international tourism fair TOUREST in Tallinn since the EU-Russia border should not be an next February, in order to introduce the country to obstacle to the free movement of people and people in Estonia. Paet also feels it is important to goods,” said Paet. appoint an honorary consul in Nicaragua. At the meeting the foreign ministers talked about In addition, the foreign ministers touched on further EU enlargement, expressing support for the European Union-Nicaragua relations. The European continuation of accession negotiations with Turkey Union is Nicaragua's third-biggest global trade and Iceland and for the conclusion of negotiations partner. Foreign Minister Urmas Paet expressed with Croatia. Relations between the Baltic and hope that an Association Agreement between the Benelux nations were also discussed. Foreign European Union and Nicaragua would be signed Minister Paet said that the regular meetings of the soon that would include a free trade agreement and foreign ministers of the three Baltic nations, enliven economic relations. Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg are Other topics of discussion were Nicaragua's important for co-operation among the states. “Active relations with its neighbours and developments in communication helps to intensify co-operation and the region as a whole. increase our understanding of one another, and a mutual sharing of positions helps to ensure the unity of the European Union,” said Paet. The foreign ministers of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg meet once a year to exchange positions on regional and international co-operation topics.

President Appeals to Austria to Join Cyber Defence, Eastern Partnership Centres 23 November (BNS) - Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, during his meeting with Austrian Federal President Heinz Fischer during his official visit to Vienna, appealed to Austria to join the NATO Cyber Defence Centre and take part in the work of the Eastern Partnership Centre. Ilves said that Estonia and

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet with Nicaraguan Austria were firm partners proceeding from the Foreign Minister Samuel Santos Lopez, 25 same principles who operated in the same line with November. the Eastern Partnership initiative, integration of the Western Balkan countries into the European Union, Estonia Believes Europe’s Security Crises and solving energy security problems. "Starting from 1 January we can also carry on our co-operation Must Be Resolved in OSCE within the euro zone," he added. 22 November - During his meeting in Brussels The heads of state also discussed enlargement of yesterday with his colleagues from Latvia, the EU into the Western Balkans. Ilves said that Lithuania, Belgium, the Netherlands and unsteady states outside the EU deepen instability Luxembourg, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet not just in the south-eastern part of Europe but in discussed European security matters and the all of Europe. He expressed concern over increasing upcoming Organisation for Security and Co- enlargement fatigue in the EU. Ilves said that the operation in Europe (OSCE) summit. Paet stated enlargement policy should continue on the same that Europe’s security architecture must be based on basis as the European Commission recommends it. shared values and reciprocal agreements that the The two presidents confirmed support to signers adhere to, because this is the only way it will strengthening the European Neighbourhood Policy be possible to achieve unified and indivisible and Eastern Partnership initiative. Ilves invited security. Austria to take part in the work of the Eastern “The proper place for discussions on Europe’s Partnership Centre in Tallinn. security architecture is the OSCE, and it is important Speaking about the Baltic Sea Strategy initiated that the final document from the summit held at the by Estonia and the Danube strategy drawn up under beginning of December will emphasise the need to the guidance of Austria, the two presidents resolve current conflicts,” Paet noted. “Existing underlined that both of them made it possible to crises must be solved within the framework of the promote internal co-operation within the EU as well OSCE. We must work on the basis of the OSCE’s as the competitiveness of the community. principles and in accordance with agreements to European energy security was also under fulfil the territorial integrity of Georgia and achieve discussion at the meeting. Ilves said that it was results in Nagorno-Karabakh, Transnistria and necessary to agree on common rules for the Kyrgyzstan,” he stressed. regulation of electricity import from third countries. The Baltic and Benelux foreign ministers also He said that the success of the south corridor talked about the upcoming European Union-Russia projects, whether they were Nabucco, the Turkey- summit at the meeting, addressing EU-Russia visa Greece-Italy and Azerbaijan-Georgia-Romania links, dialogue issues. Foreign Minister Paet emphasised or the White Stream gas pipeline, were of key that in addition to determining concrete visa regime importance for the energy security of the EU. guidelines and an action framework, these plans Ilves invited Austria to co-operate with the must actually be implemented as well. “This applies NATO Co-operative Cyber Defence Centre operating to Russia as well as to other third nations strive for in Tallinn. "I am certain that Austria could here take visa facilitation with the EU,” he stated. “In Russia’s part in projects it is interested in. Dangers in

3 cyberspace, threats of both a criminal and military exact timelines of the project, the number of nature, are of common concern, problems and Estonian lynx to be taken to Poland, and the challenges of NATO member countries and locations where they are to be caught have yet to be democratic countries that are not part of the decided," he said. alliance," he said. According to the latest survey data, Estonia has a Ilves also met with Mayor of Vienna Michael lynx population of approximately 900 and 180 lynx Haupl and President of the Austrian National Council, were hunted in the country last year. In Poland, a the parliament, Barbara Prammer. country seven times the size of Estonia, only a couple of hundred animals are estimated to be living Meeting of Estonia-Ukraine Joint at this point. Commission on Economic, Industrial,

Technical and Scientific Co-operation Takes Place DOMESTIC NEWS WWF Places Estonia Among Middle- 18 November - The first meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission between the Ranking EU Member States in Fight Government of the Republic of Estonia and the Against Climate Change Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers on Economic, 23 November (BNS) - In a report on the fight Industrial, Technical and Scientific Co- against climate change released on Tuesday operation took place in Tallinn. The first meeting the World Wildlife Fund has placed Estonia in of the joint commission was led by Foreign Ministry the middle in the European Union, the Finnish Undersecretary for Economic and Development daily Helsingin Sanomat reported. According to Affairs Marina Kaljurand and Ukrainian Deputy the WWF, European countries should on the average Minister of Industrial Policy Sergei Bilenki. treble their efforts in order to prevent detrimental Representatives of the Estonian and Ukrainian climate change. WWF has divided countries into ministries and several experts also participated in seven categories. Of these, the category A means the meeting. considerable efforts in the contraction of emissions The first meeting of the Estonia-Ukraine joint quota, which according to plans will lead to 85-90 % intergovernmental commission was a continuation of contraction of greenhouse gases emissions. the visit by Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov Category G indicates the weakest result. on 5 October. The session of the intergovernmental The countries fighting the most strongly against commission indicates a new stage in the climate change in the European Union are in development of bilateral relations and a deepening category D, which includes Germany, Denmark, of direct contacts between the corresponding Ireland, and Sweden. Estonia is in the category E, institutions in the two nations. which also includes Austria, Belgium, the Czech Co-operation between Ukraine and the EU was Republic, France, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, discussed at the meeting. Other topics addressed the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia and Great were Estonia-Ukraine bilateral relations in trade Britain. relations and reciprocal investment opportunities. In WWF welcomed the circumstance that despite the addition, the parties discussed co-operation in generally poor situation there are bright moments in information technology, as well as opportunities to almost every European country's climate policy. The intensify co-operation in biotechnology, agriculture, organisation particularly underlined Great Britain, education and research, space technology, and where an ambitious act of fighting against climate environmental and energy matters. Other topics of change has been worked out, and Estonia, where an discussion were development co-operation, Eastern integral land use strategy has been drawn up. Partnership, and questions and problems raised by Bulgaria, Cyprus, Finland, Greece, Luxembourg, Ukrainian businesses working in Estonia. Malta, Poland and Romania are in the category F. The Agreement on Economic, Industrial, The WWF report was drawn up by the Technical and Scientific Cooperation between the international energy and environmental consultancy Government of the Republic of Estonia and the Ecofys. Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers came into effect on 24 September 2008. Public Broadcaster Makes Archives

Accessible via Internet Estonia to Send Lynx to Poland for Lynx Restoration Project 19 November (BNS) - Audiovisual heritage held in the archives of the Estonian Public 19 November (BNS) - The World Wildlife Fund Broadcasting Company, ERR, can be accessed (WWF) is about to launch a project to save the over the internet starting Friday, 19 November. lynx population of the Napiwodzko-Ramuckich The materials can be accessed via the web page region of north-eastern Poland, in which lynx arhiiv.err.ee, spokespeople for ERR said. Web-based from Estonia are to play a crucial role, the daily access to the audio and video archives has been Eesti Päevaleht said. created on the initiative of ERR in order to make The Polish branch of the WWF is planning to bring digital audiovisual cultural heritage accessible to in animals from Estonia to help make the local lynx everyone free of charge. Right now the material that population viable again. Estonian lynx are of interest can be accessed consists of television and radio for the Poles because of their genetic similarity with broadcasts. local lynx and the large size of the Estonian lynx ERR is ready to start negotiations with all major population. Poland wants female lynx from Estonia. content producers, television and radio stations and Peep Männil, a researcher from Estonia, said that film archives who are interested in preserving and specialists from Poland came to Estonia to inquire publishing their audiovisual material in the digital about the possibility this spring and received archives of ERR. Cooperation toward this end is approval for their plan from Estonian experts. "The

4 already under way with the Estonian Film a narcotic substance. There was battle contact with Information System (EFIS) being created by the the enemy on 75 days. non-profit organisation Eesti Filmi Andmebaas At the end of the summer members of ESTCOY- (Estonian Film Database). 10 and NSE-9 repaired roads to ensure freedom of The ERR archives can be accessed over the movement for locals and prevent insurgents from internet both anonymously and after identification. planting IEDs. The company's medics provided Anonymous users can access content that ERR is medical assistance to nearly 260 local residents. free to release to all parties. Villagers opened a market near the patrol base manned by Estonians that became a regular trading venue for Afghans. DEFENCE NEWS ESTCOY-10 manned the Wahid patrol base and its surrounding checkpoints in the central part of High-Level Cyber Symposium Opened in Helmand Province. Tallinn 22 November - Upon opening the symposium, Estonian Soldiers in Afghanistan to Estonian Defence Minister Jaak Aaviksoo said Receive 13 APCs that in addition to members of the Defence 24 November (BNS) - Next week 13 SISU XA-188 Forces and political decision makers, cyber armoured personnel carriers bought from the defence needs, above all, new technologies to Netherlands will be delivered to Estonian combat threats. “Without cyber defence soldiers in Afghanistan. instruments created by scientists and engineers, all Capt Raul Järviste, head of the logistics division talk of cyber defence would be empty words. I hope of the technical department of the Defence Forces that the symposium helps to establish better Headquarters, said that the APCs would be handed conditions for managing cyber threats,” said over next Friday in Kandahar and from there the Aaviksoo. vehicles would be transported to the Camp Bastion Nearly 100 experts from almost every member military base. Two of the APCs bought from the state of the Alliance are participating in the cyber Netherlands have been delivered to Estonia until the defence symposium of NATO Research & Technology present and the remaining APCs will arrive in Organisation. The two-day event is organised by the accordance with the contract. Estonian Ministry of Defence and Defence Forces. Estonia paid 320 million kroons (EUR 20.4 mln)

for 81 SISU XA-188 APCs, and the personnel carriers Estonian Mission Contingent Arrives will arrive in Estonia in the period from 2011-2015. Home from Afghanistan At present the Defence Forces use Pasi armoured 20 November (BNS) - The ESTCOY-10 infantry personnel carriers the official designation of which is company and the national support element Sisu XA-180EST. Sisu XA-188 is a more modern NSE-9, or the Estonian units that have served version of the same APCs; compared with the APCs in Afghanistan for the past six months, arrived now in use in the Defence Forces the new machines in Tallinn Saturday morning. At the reception have a thicker armour providing better protection, ceremony, Secretary General of the Defence Ministry as well as a more powerful engine and better Riho Terras told the members of the Defence Forces interior. returning from the mission that they had shown themselves as the best NATO soldiers, fought bravely, and held the Estonian flag high. He said ECONOMIC NEWS that the new Strategic Concept of NATO adopted at Percentage of Euro Supporters Up in the Lisbon summit Friday evening was good and necessary for Estonia, containing almost all of Estonia Estonia's proposals. This, he said, was largely 23 November (BNS) - Of Estonian residents 54% thanks to the good reputation and wide recognition support transition to the euro, five percentage of the members of the Estonian Defence Forces. points more than in October, it appears from The Defence Forces' chief of staff, Brig. Gen. the euro monitoring poll ordered by the Neeme Väli, said that the restoration of day-to-day Estonian Finance Ministry and the State activity in the Estonian company's area of Chancellery. responsibility bears witness to the effectiveness of In November 36% of the respondents did not the company's activity. Because of the Estonian support the transition to the common currency and soldiers, the environs of the Wahid patrol base are 10% were not able to state their point of view. In now a little safer than they used to be, the chief of October 40% of the residents were not in favour of staff said. the introduction of the euro. Compared with the Väli said that Estonia's visibility and its credibility previous poll support has increased more than the as a provider of security were largely owed to the average among women and the oldest group of members of the Defence Forces serving in residents, the Finance Ministry said. Afghanistan. "The effect from the activity of the The residents' information about the euro has Estonian company reaches further than the environs also increased - this could be seen from both the of Nad-e-Ali and Helmand Province-- Estonia's voice respondents' self-assessment as well as knowledge is heard among the allies," he said. of the facts of the practical transition to the euro. In ESTCOY-10, under the command of Maj. Meelis the November survey 89% of those interviewed Jõemaa, served in the conflict area for almost 200 believed that they were well or sufficiently informed days, taking part in four battle group operations and about the changeover to the euro, while 13% found six independent company operations. Its members that additional information was necessary. In found and rendered harmless 14 improvised October the corresponding figures were 84 and explosive devices (IEDs) and found two larger 21%. caches containing components of IEDs, weapons and

5 According to Kalev Petti, the person in charge of 0.2% in the first nine months of the year. In the the poll, the circumstance that the people had first nine months the group earned a net profit of received more concrete and practical news instead 144.7 million kroons. The result for the same period of general information had contributed to the a year ago was a loss of 23 million kroons. increased support for the European currency. Tallinna Kaubamaja's consolidated unaudited sales revenue in the first nine months of 2010 was Auction Sets Free Market Electricity Price 4.6 billion kroons, down 3.6% from 4.8 billion for Thursday at 63.66 EUR kroons in the respective period a year ago, the retailer told the stock exchange. 24 November (BNS) - The price of electricity on Thursday in the Estonian price area of the Nordic electricity exchange Nord Pool Spot was established at 63.66 euros per megawatt-hour, CULTURAL NEWS the highest price level for November, at the Estonian Swedes Elect Cultural Council day-ahead auction on Wednesday. 22 November (BNS) - Estonian Swedes elected The average free market electricity price for their new cultural council from Friday until Estonia had moved in the range from 39.67 to 53.76 Saturday; more than half the Estonian Swedes euros per MWh so far in November. On Wednesday eligible to vote took part in the elections. the price in the Estonian price area was 41.79 euros. According to preliminary information 56% of the In the Finnish market Thursday's price emerged at Estonian Swedes entitled to vote took part in the 68.93 euros and in the whole NPS system at 61.61 elections, Uile Kark-Remes, chairman of the cultural euros per MWh. council of the Swedish ethnic cultural minority, told In the Estonian price area 9 581 MWh of BNS. The electoral activity was the highest in electricity was bought and 17 284 MWh sold for Haapsalu, where it was above 60%. In Stockholm Thursday. 58% and in Tallinn 52% of Estonian Swedes took part the elections to the cultural council. Estonian Air’s October Passenger The cultural council of the Swedish ethnic Numbers Up 11 Percent on Year minority is made up of 21 persons, and the number of candidates was 25. The final electoral results will 24 November (BNS) - The number of passengers be released by the general electoral committee on carried by Estonian Air in October increased by Wednesday, taking into consideration the results of 11% compared with October 2009, the carrier the mail-in votes that will have arrived by that time. said on Wednesday. On regular flights the number Sent ballots that were postmarked no later than 18 of passengers grew by 13.4% whereas on charter November will be taken into consideration. flights it dropped 4.7%. Estonian Air carried 53 100 The previous elections to the cultural council of passengers during the month, of them 47 109 on the Swedish ethnic minority took place in 2007. regular flights.

In the first ten months of the year planes of Estonian Air carried 493 770 passengers, of them 444 863 on regular flights. Passengers carried from Tallinn numbered 464 244. The number of passengers carried in ten months increased 1.1% ESTONIAN REVIEW year on year, the rate of increase for regular flights (ISSN 1023-1951) being 0.5%. Is issued by the "Estonian Air's passenger numbers have been Press and Information Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs ISLANDI VÄLJAK 1, TALLINN, ESTONIA 15049 growing for six months in a row, which gives us a TEL +372 637 7600 very clear signal about the revival of the air travel FAX +372 637 7617 market in our region. Since October, we can talk Estonian Review is also available over the about growth throughout the year, with the internet at http://www.vm.ee strongest growth in September and October," said To subscribe, please contact: [email protected] Rauno Parras, vice president of Estonian Air. Estonian Review is compiled in co-operation with In the ten-month period the market share of the Baltic News Service http://www.bns.ee/ Estonian Air in regular flights at Tallinn Airport was

41.9%, 4.3 percentage points lower than during the same period a year ago. The company's total market share, including both regular and charter flights, was 39.5%, marking a decline of 2.4 percentage points.

Tallinna Kaubamaja Boost Q3 Earnings Almost Fivefold 25 November (BNS) - The listed Estonian retail group AS Tallinna Kaubamaja has posted a consolidated unaudited net profit of 73.2 million kroons (EUR 4.7 mln) for the third quarter of 2010, compared with a profit of 15.4 million kroons (EUR 1 mln) earned during the same three months in 2009. Sales revenue in the third quarter amounted to 1.6 billion kroons, marking an increase of 0.4 percent year-on-year. The group's sales revenue in Estonia grew by 4.0% in the third quarter and by

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