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Estonian Review 2 - 8 September 2009
11.09.2009
FOREIGN MINISTERS OF ITALY AND THE VATICAN VISIT ESTONIA
FOREIGN NEWS
DEFENCE NEWS
DOMESTIC NEWS
ECONOMIC NEWS
CULTURAL NEWS
FOREIGN MINISTERS OF ITALY AND THE VATICAN VISIT ESTONIA
Estonia Helping to Restore Historical Italian Monuments Damaged in Earthquake
8 September - Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and Franco Frattini, the first Italian foreign minister ever to come to Estonia for an official visit, discussed Estonia-Italy co-operation opportunities regarding the restoration of historical monuments that were damaged in the fatal earthquake that struck Italy on 6 April of this year.
Foreign Minister Paet stated that Estonia will help to rebuild the historical and cultural monuments of the Abruzzo region. Italy did not require aid for rescue work immediately after the incident, but they did request for European Union member states to help by working together to restore the monuments, said Paet. We want to answer the Italian government's request and make our contribution to rebuilding the city, he added.
Today, 8 September, the Estonian and Italian foreign ministers also signed an agreement for co-operation against organised crime, terrorism and the illegal drug trade between the Government of the Republic of Estonia and the Government of the Republic of Italy.
Paet and Frattini also discussed matters related to Europe's immigration policy. Foreign Minister Paet stated that Estonia, as a border state, understands very well the concerns that Italy and other Southern European states have about immigration issues. Mediterranean countries' growing problems with receiving immigrants and sending them back requires a speedy reaction as well as solidarity from European Union member states, stated Paet. Estonia contributes to resolving the problems of illegal immigration primarily through participation in the work of the European border guard agency FRONTEX.
It is essential to focus on development co-operation and fighting against the reasons for illegal immigration, for example poverty, military conflicts, and environmental disasters. It is also important to co-operate with the source and transit countries for immigration in order to raise their development levels and increase opportunities for people there, so that the people will desire to live in their home countries, Paet added.
Urmas Paet also addressed how using information technology in a more efficient way than before in the EU's interior security sector is very important. The number of information systems that can be used by European nations could be increased significantly in the near future, depending on the development and implementation of information systems. This is why we feel the creation of a concrete agency responsible for the European Union is necessary, Paet explained. Taking into account Estonia's developed IT sector, we believe that Estonia could be a good location for this future institution, he added.
Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and his Italian colleague Franco Frattini agreed that contacts between Estonia and Italy are remarkably tight. Next year we plan to hold a business forum in Tallinn in co-operation with the Italian Foreign Trade Ministry and Foreign Ministry, which will hopefully give momentum to contacts between Estonian and Italian businesses, Paet stated. The first working visit by Estonian businessmen and economic officials to Italy took place in 2001. In 2005 close to 70 Italian entrepreneurs participated in a business seminar in Tallinn.
Paet also invited Italy to participate in the European Capital of Culture Tallinn 2011 project.
While talking about the situation in Afghanistan, Foreign Minister Paet felt it was necessary to make additional efforts and to better co-ordinate the activities of the EU, NATO and the UN in the Afghanistan aid mission.
While discussing the future of the Baltic Sea region, Foreign Minister Paet emphasised that the approval of the Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region during the October council is very important. The co-operation of the Baltic Sea region states could be a very successful example for new initiatives in other regions of the European Union, and as a result the competitiveness of the Union as a whole would increase, said Paet.
At their meeting, the ministers also discussed matters related to EU enlargement, Eastern Partnership, UN Security Council reform, and the EU's relations with Russia.
Secretary for the Vatican's Relations with States Makes First Visit to Estonia
2 September - During today's meeting with Secretary for the Vatican's Relations with States Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet emphasised that regardless of its small size, the Roman Catholic community is visible in Estonia society and cultural life and therefore plays an essential role.
At the meeting, the two agreed that the co-operation agreement between the Estonian Foreign Ministry and the Roman Catholic Church would be updated if necessary. Co-operation between Estonia and the Catholic church functions very well in everyday life and bilateral relations between Estonia and the Vatican are good, Paet and Mamberti noted while talking about updating the co-operation agreement concluded in 1999.
Paet and Mamberti also addressed the global financial crisis and resolving humanitarian problems, including matters related to the illegal immigration that is of concern to the Vatican. The primary problem for the flood of illegal immigrants, which is growing worse in Mediterranean countries, lies in economic issues, although the human tragedy comes to mind first and foremost, Paet emphasised.
Many immigrants, attempting to come to Europe predominantly by illegal means, lose their lives on the way. And for the ones that do arrive, there is no good solution. Therefore we must focus on dealing with the reasons behind the illegal immigration, he added.
Archbishop Dominique Mamberti's visit is the first visit by a secretary for the Vatican's relations with states to Estonia. Pope John Paul II visited Estonia in 1993.
Prime Minister Ansip and Secretary Mamberti Regard Co-operation Between Church and State Important
4 September - Prime Minister Andrus Ansip and Archbishop Dominque Mamberti, Secretary for the Holy See's Relations with States regard co-operation between the church and the state important in developing society.
The Catholic Church's visibility in Estonia is greatly due to Bishop Philippe Jourdan, who is very popular in Estonia, said Prime Minister Andrus Ansip. Today, there are seven congregations of the Roman Catholic Church in Estonia with almost 5 000 members, and there are four Catholic orders.
The Apostolic Administration of the Roman Catholic Church was entered in the church register of the church division of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in 1995. Bishop Philippe Jourdan is the Apostolic Administrator. The present Apostolic Nuncio Luigi Bonazzi gave his authorisation to the President of the Republic Toomas Hendrik Ilves in May 2009.
At the meeting, the Prime Minister introduced the Estonian electronic government system and other popular electronic solutions to the guest. We like comfortable solutions, using the Internet has become a lifestyle for Estonians, said the head of the government. They also discussed the global economic crisis and activities of the government of Estonia in the situation of economic recession. Estonia has prepared well for the economic recess - we gathered remarkable reserves mostly during better days and returned the state loan, said Ansip. The government of Estonia has improved the budget position of government institutions by more than 16 billion kroons, which forms 7.6% of our gross domestic product. The Estonian government plans on continuing the strict budget policy.
The Vatican is a sovereign state and the centre of the Roman Catholic Church. The Pope has legislative, executive and judicial authority. The pope is also the head of the worldwide Roman Catholic Church. Vatican City State or the Holy See recognised the Republic of Estonia for the first time on 10 October 1921 and re-recognised the Republic of Estonia on 28 August 1991.
FOREIGN NEWS
Estonia Helps Women in Afghanistan Start First Aid Training
6 September - In co-operation with MTÜ Mondo, the Foreign Ministry is helping to launch first aid training for adults in Afghanistan's Helmand Province.
Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that Estonia's support for Helmand Province's Bost Hospital in the past has significantly improved the treatment possibilities there. The next step is to turn attention to the capability of local residents to care for their own health and the health of their families. Many health problems that are widespread in developing nations can be lessened or prevented entirely by basic practices that are commonplace for us, like washing hands and cleaning wounds, said Paet. Establishing a first aid training network aimed primarily towards women will help to increase the health-related knowledge of the population and also include women more in community life, he added.
First aid training in health care facilities and women's education centres will create a network in which local women can pass the knowledge they acquire onto others. Those who complete the training will receive a first aid kit intended for home use as well as a first aid manual in Pashto. The Estonian health care expert in Helmand Anu Raisma will help to find female doctors and people from local women's organisations to implement the project, organise training for the instructors and start up the courses. The fact that the current Estonian health care expert is female will facilitate communication with local women's associations and female doctors.
Anu Raisma stated that there is still a lot to do for developing the health care sector in Helmand Province, since despite initial progress the mortality rate for women and children is still tragically high. In a situation where it's difficult to get medical attention, knowledge of first aid and practical skills are extremely important. This will also offer residents of the province the chance to improve living conditions and spread the knowledge of first aid to communities where access to medical care is practically non-existent, stated Raisma.
The cost of the two-year training project is 2 246 580 kroons. Afghanistan is one of Estonia's priority partner countries for development co-operation and developing the health care sector is central to our activities. An Estonian health care expert has been working in the city of Lashkar Gah´ in Helmand province since March 2008, carrying out Estonian development co-operation projects on site and consulting for the leadership of the UK Provincial Reconstruction Team and the Helmand provincial government on the development of the health care system.
Estonia Supports Strengthening the EU's Ties with Syria
5 September - At the informal meeting of European Union foreign ministers in Stockholm, the foreign ministers are reviewing the European Union's relations with Syria, taking into account changes in Syria's relations with the international community.
Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that Estonia feels it is important to speed up the process of preparing an association agreement between the European Union and Syria so that the agreement can be signed. Estonia also feels it is necessary for Syria to continue co-operating with the International Atomic Energy Agency, Paet emphasised. Since the summer of 2008 there have been positive developments in Syria's relations with Lebanon and the international community. This creates an opportunity for the European Union to also strengthen its ties with Syria, added Paet, who visited Syria in May of this year along with Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb.
The European Union foreign ministers also discussed the Middle East peace process and relations with Iran. In addition to the nuclear issue, there is also dissatisfaction over the worsening of the human rights situation after the presidential elections in Iran on 12 June, said Paet. Paet stated that the legal trial going on in Iran in which charges have been made against workers of two embassies of European Union member states as well as one EU citizen is alarming.
During their two-day meeting, the European Union foreign ministers that have gathered in Stockholm, Sweden will focus on the Middle East peace process, developments in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and matters related to Iran.
Paet: Focus Should be on Battling Corruption in Post-Election Afghanistan
5 September - Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated today at the meeting of European Union foreign ministers in Stockholm that the European Union should focus on helping to reduce corruption and increase the Afghans' administrative capacity following the elections in Afghanistan.
Foreign Minister Urmas Paet emphasised that the evaluation of the presidential and provincial council elections that took place in Afghanistan on 20 August is not yet complete. This was the first election carried out by the Afghans in decades, and the most important thing is that they were able to carry out the presidential and provincial council elections, said Paet. However, there are very many reports of election fraud. In order to make a final analysis and conclusion, we must wait for the official election results, he emphasised.
Paet stated that the European Union's future activities in Afghanistan must help the Afghans to increase their administrative capacity. In order to reach our own goal-that the Afghans can manage their own nation- among other things there must be capable state administrative systems, which Afghanistan currently lacks, said Paet.
Paet stated that the European Union is moving in the right direction in Afghanistan, but the future action plan in Afghanistan must be very concrete. When the new Afghan president and government take office, the European Union can remind them that the promises made in election campaigns must also be fulfilled. The fight against corruption is also essential, said Paet.
Estonia also feels it is essential to strengthen the European police mission in Afghanistan. The European Union must fulfil its own promise to fully staff the police mission, Paet added.
The European Union foreign ministers discussed developments and co-operation with Pakistan as one of the requirements for improving the security situation. Pakistan has an important role in the stabilising of Afghanistan-the stability of the border areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan are closely connected, said Paet. Co-ordinated co-operation with the international community and between Afghanistan and Pakistan is necessary for overcoming the extremism, he emphasised. Paet stressed that the ones to suffer the most in the current situation are the civilians and the number of internally displaced refugees in Afghanistan is already approaching 3 million.
Prime Minister Ansip Met with Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbajev
8 September - Today, Prime Minister Andrus Ansip met with Nursultan Nazarbajev, the President of Kazakhstan, and Kasjmzhomart Tokajev, Speaker of the Kazakh Senate. At both meetings, the good will to make progress in both economic co-operation and co-operation in international organisations was declared.
In addition to bilateral relations, the topics discussed at the meeting included the Kazakhstan chairmanship of the OSCE in 2010, relations with the European Union and the situation in Afghanistan.
The prime minister noted that due to the Central Asia strategy, the relations of the European Union with the whole region have intensified. We are convinced that both parties are interested in the tightening of relations and everyone will benefit from successful co-operation, he stressed.
Kazakhstan is an important energy partner for the European Union, and the country performs a significant role in the implementation of the so-called southern corridor projects. The southern corridor, in turn, is one of the main opportunities of the European Union for finding new energy suppliers and supply channels. When speaking about security issues, Ansip declared that Estonia regards the participation of Kazakhstan in the NATO programme Partnership for Peace as important.
At the meetings, in addition to energy, information technology and agriculture were also pointed out as priority fields of co-operation between Estonia and Kazakhstan.
The advantage of Estonia and Kazakhstan in mutual understanding is familiarity with each other due to a similar history, said the prime minister when meeting with the president. The similarities in economic policy related decisions were also discussed.
The debt of the government is very low in both countries and reserves were collected during the period of fast economic development, noted the prime minister. He also pointed out the fact that investments make up a rather large proportion of the budgets of both countries.
When speaking about the Kazakhstan Chairmanship of the OSCE in 2010, the prime minister said that Estonia supports Kazakhstan as the Chair and is open for co-operation in specific fields.
The situation in Afghanistan was discussed in greater detail. The prime minister declared that the improvement of the situation in this area would contribute to the safeguarding of security in the entire Central Asia region. We highly appreciate the contribution of Kazakhstan to the building up of this country, he said and added that the increase of stability in Afghanistan is equally important for both Kazakh and Estonian security.
Several Co-operation Agreements Signed Between Estonia and Kazakhstan
7 September - Today, Prime Minister Andrus Ansip met with Kamir Massimov, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, with whom two bilateral co-operation agreements were signed and the possibilities for the further intensification of relations between the two countries discussed. The contribution of Estonia at the promotion of the relations between Kazakhstan and the European Union was also discussed.
Today, Ansip and Massimov signed an agreement for co-operation in economy, science and technology between Estonia and Kazakhstan, on the basis of which an intergovernmental committee will be established for the promotion of co-operation in said fields. Also, the heads of governments signed the visa exemption agreement for diplomatic passports. Today, the co-operation agreement between the Ministries of Education and Research was also signed.
Both parties were certain that the agreements signed today are a good basis for intensifying relations, both in the economic sphere and between people.
It was jointly declared that there is considerable potential in the development of relations between Estonia and Kazakhstan. We have common interests in economic, energy and education related co-operation, said Prime Minister Ansip.
In the field of energy oil shale was mainly discussed, and Ansip stated that Estonia would be happy to share its experiences of processing oil shale. Estonia has developed a technology for the production of shale oil that is one of the most innovative in the world. There are oil shale mines in Kazakhstan, but no major experience in using these natural resources. We are ready to share our experience in a way that is mutually beneficial, said Prime Minister Ansip.
At the meeting, the prime minister declared that Estonia is ready to contribute to the development of relations between the European Union and Kazakhstan as well and that Estonia supports the commencement of the negotiations on the signing of the new framework contract between the EU and Kazakhstan.
The Kazakh party was mainly interested in the experience in the introduction of e-governance and Internet-based public services.
Today, Prime Minister Ansip also opened the first Estonian honorary consulate in the Central Asian region, in Astana. I am glad to announce that this day marks a new stage in our bilateral relations, he said, when opening the honorary consulate.
Together with me, the largest business delegation ever to have accompanied the prime minister on his visits came to become acquainted with Kazakhstan, he declared, and added that this demonstrates the interest of Estonian investors and businessmen towards the region.
Estonia and Macedonia* Sign Co-operation Agreement
6 September - In Stockholm on Saturday, 5 September, Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and Macedonian Foreign Minister Antonio Milošoski signed a co-operation agreement between the Estonian and Macedonian foreign ministries for developing regular political consultations and European Union-related co-operation.
During the agreed annual consultations between the foreign ministries, Estonia and Macedonia hope to strengthen their communication over international topics that are of mutual concern and to pay more attention to co-operation in international organisations and matters concerning the European Union.
The co-operation agreement also sets the stage for Estonia and Macedonia to develop their relations in the economic, security, culture and research sectors and many other areas, such as public health, nature preservation, and education.
* The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
Colloquium Commemorating 20th Anniversary of Baltic Way to Take Place in French Senate
8 September - In the afternoon on 8 September the 20th anniversary of the Baltic Way will be commemorated in Paris with the colloquium The Baltic Way: Three nations hand-in-hand-Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania (1989-2009), which was organised by the French-Baltic parliamentary friendship group and the Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian embassies.
The first roundtable of the colloquium, which will take place in the Senate's conference hall, is dedicated to the origins of the Baltic Way and the introduction of its historical role. In the second part, the focus will be on the Baltic Way's role and influence in historical identity in today's Europe.
Estonian Ambassador Margus Rava stated that recalling and discussing the events of 20 years ago continues to be important. The Estonian Embassy is pleased that through today's conference we can help to introduce our own history and preserve Europe's common historical memory and identity, said Ambassador Rava.
Within the framework of the colloquium, footage from the day of the Baltic Way 20 years ago will be shown and a Baltic Way photo exhibit will be displayed. The exhibit can be viewed from 14 September to 2 October in the Pont Neuf gallery in Paris and in October it will be Grenoble and Lyon.
Estonian Riigikogu Speaker Ene Ergma and former prime minister Mart Laar will give presentations about Estonia during the colloquium. Latvia will be represented by Parliament Speaker Gundars Daudze and European Parliament representative Sandra Kalniete and Lithuania by Vice-Speaker of Parliament Irena Degutiene and former president and European Parliament representative Vytautas Landsbergis. Jacques Legendre, a member of the French-Baltic friendship group, will address the influence of the Baltic Way in the context of today's Europe. Claude Huriet, the former president of the Senate's French-Baltic friendship group, will talk about France's support for the Baltic nations' endeavours to become independent. The current head of the Senate's French-Baltic friendship group, Denis Badré, will give the closing speech on the Baltic Way being entered into the Memory of the World register. The roundtables will be led by former French ambassador to Latvia Michel Foucher and the president of the Robert Schuman Fund Jean-Dominique Giuliani.
Within the framework of the events commemorating the Baltic Way, OÜ Maurum's 1989 documentary film The Baltic Way will be showed in UNESCO headquarters on 24 September at 18.00, an event arranged by the Estonian representation.
DOMESTIC NEWS
Population Growth Rate in Estonian Capital Remains Positive
3 September (BNS) - The growth rate of the population in the Estonian capital continued to be positive in August, as the number of registered births was higher than that of deaths.
In August the Tallinn registrar's office registered 492 births and issued 372 certificates of death, the press service of the city government said.
Compared with July, eight children more were born and six people more died in August. Compared with last August, 23 more births were registered this August.
The registrar's office registered 3 732 births and 4 944 deaths in Tallinn; in 2007 the respective figures were 5 833 and 5 187.
According to the population register there were 405 562 residents in Tallinn as of 1 September, and since the beginning of the year the population of the city has increased by 1 557 persons.
DEFENCE NEWS
Minister of Defence Attends Year's Largest Naval Operation on the Baltic Sea
2 September - Today, Minister of Defence Jaak Aaviksoo and Permanent Undersecretary Riho Terras attended the largest naval operation of the year on the Baltic Sea Open Spirit 2009, in which a total of 16 warships from allied states are participating.
At the Miinisadam Harbour, the minister of defence and the permanent undersecretary were given an overview of the naval operation currently taking place in Estonian waters and of the history of mine warfare in the Baltic Sea. They also visited the German mine hunter Grömitz.
The fact that there are currently 16 war ships and the naval units of ten countries operating under the command of Captain (Navy) Igor Schvede, in Estonian waters, is a proof of our strong allied relations and to the increasing security on the Baltic Sea, said the minister of defence when commenting on the operation.
To this day there is a great deal of undiscovered ordnance in the Baltic Sea and each of these large-scale operations makes our seas safer, he added.
The minister of defence also confirmed that, so far, the Estonian Navy has made significant progress, which will most definitely continue in the framework of the National Defence Development Plan for 2009-2018.
The naval operation Open Spirit 2009 is the largest naval operation on the Baltic Sea this year, the primary operational areas of which are to the northeast of Hiiumaa and to the west of Naissaar. Estonian, German, US, Swedish, Finnish, Danish, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish and French Navy units, and a total of 16 warships, are participating in the operation. In addition, a joint Estonian-German-US Clearance Task Unit will also be participating.
The Defence Development Plan for 2009-2018 foresees that the Estonian Navy continues the development of its mine countermeasures capability, which is necessary for participation in international operations as well as to secure the support of the host nation.
As part of the new development programme, the Navy will also be provided with speedboats over the next ten years with which to increase the defence of Estonia's territorial waters and to facilitate naval surveillance - including the detection of hostile vessels.
About Twenty Explosives Found During Open Spirit
4 September (BNS) - A total of twenty explosives-17 mines and three unidentified explosive devices-have been found so far during this year's biggest mine hunting operation in Estonian waters, Open Spirit.
The Defence Forces headquarters said that of the 17 mines and three unidentified explosive devices, seven had been rendered harmless by Friday morning, and the rest would be exploded at the first opportunity.
The diver unit has found the most explosives -- three mines and three unidentified explosive devices. The Polish mine-hunter Felming has found three mines.
The first explosives were found right on the first day of the exercise on 1 September.
In the course of the operation that started on Monday, units from ten countries have cleared sea areas lying north of Hiiumaa Island and in the vicinity of Naissaar Island from mines laid mainly during the two world wars of the 20th century. For the first time a joint US, German and Estonian mine divers' target unit is taking part. Of Estonian vessels, the Admiral Cowan and the staff and support ship Tasuja have been deployed.
The operation is being carried out by the Estonian Navy and Navy Capt. Igor Schvede, commander of the Estonian Navy, who is also commander of the participating mine hunting target forces and general commander of the operation.
Open Spirit 2009 will be concluded on 11 September.
ESTCOY-E to Start Operations Next Week
2 September (BNS) - ESTCOY-E, the additional Estonian infantry company sent to Afghanistan for the period of elections, is about to start taking part in operations next week.
Maj. Ulo Isberg, information officer for the Estonian contingent in Afghanistan, told BNS on Wednesday that the company will start with operations at the beginning of the week. He added that the unit had obtained all of its equipment by now.
The 134-strong ESTCOY-E is conducting exercises and preparations for operations together with US Marines at the Camp Leatherneck base.
Attached to the US 2nd Marine Brigade, ESTCOY-E will be acting in the Garmshir area in the southern part of Helmand province. It is an area over which the allies had almost no control until this June, when US Marines moved in. Smuggling routes to Beluchistan Province in neighboring Pakistan that are vital for the Taliban pass through the area.
ESTCOY-E is a one-off project to provide additional security during and after the elections held in Afghanistan on 20 August. The company was dispatched from Estonia on 8 July.
Formed on the basis of the all-professional Scouts Battalion, the unit will be part of the joint Baltic battalion in the NATO rapid response force NRF-14 in the first half of 2010.
ECONOMIC NEWS
Currency Rates in Kroons
(Bank of Estonia)
Tallink's Quarterly Passenger Number Soars 14 Percent
7 September (BNS) - Tallink Grupp carried 2.7 million passengers in the final quarter of its past business year or the June-August period, which represents an increase of 14.3% in comparison with the same period a year earlier.
In August ships of the group had 851 919 passengers, up by 8.8% against the same month of 2008, Tallink informed the stock exchange.
Compared to July, the August passenger number plunged 19.2%.
The shipper said its market share increased on all its basic lines in August.
The number of passengers travelling between Estonia and Finland shot up 19.8% year on year to 360 746. Compared to July, the number dropped 16.7%.
Passengers between Finland and Sweden numbered 315 159 in August, marking an annual rise of 1.8% but a decrease of 25.7% from July.
The number of trucks and trailers carried in the June-August period was 58 634, down 21.9% compared with the same period last year.
Passenger cars carried by Tallink numbered 105 873 in August, an increase of 25% year on year. In the fourth quarter of the business year the shipper carried 333 587 passenger cars, up by 26.4% in annual comparison.
Cargo units numbered 19 368 in August, which is 20.5% less than in August 2008.
AS Tallink Grupp operates on seven Baltic Sea ship routes under the Tallink and Silja Line brands.
Comarket Changes Name to ABC Supermarkets
3 September (BNS) - The AS Comarket operator of a chain of small supermarkets in Estonia has changed its business name to ABC Supermarkets AS in connection with switching to multiple brands.
Ando Nõupuu, board member of ABC Supermarkets, said in his remarks to BNS that in addition to Comarket the company would launch one more brand this year and a second new brand next year to reflect different concepts.
He said that operating different brands within a single company was cheaper than setting up separate firms for the different profiles.
Nõupuu also said that Comarket had been doing better than forecast in the first six months of the year. Sales in the January-June period grew 1.8% year on year to 279 million kroons and the period ended with a loss of 0.98 million kroons, compared with a profit of 0.8 million kroons earned during the same six months a year ago.
Finns' Interest in Cruises to Estonia Has Increased
3 September (BNS) - The economic depression has increased Finns' interest in cruises to Estonia and to Sweden.
According to the Finnish statistical office the number of cruise passengers increased by as much as 48% against last July, the Finnish public broadcaster YLE, said.
In all, Finns made 610 000 overnight trips in July, a quarter of them to Estonia or Sweden.
Port of Tallinn's August Freight Turnover Up by Tenth on Year
7 September (BNS) - Ports of Estonia's state-owned Tallinna Sadam (Port of Tallinn) handled 2.61 million tons of freight in August, an increase of 9.7% compared with the same month a year earlier.
Cargo throughput in the first eight months of 2009 totalled 20.74 million tons, 6.5% more than during the same period of 2008.
Oil products, the largest category of cargoes, made up 15.61 million tons of the eight-month total, marking an annual increase of 14.5%. Bulk cargoes grew 12.4%.
Container shipments through the ports of Tallinna Sadam shrank 27.3% year on year to 88 434.
The ports unloaded 4.4 million tons and loaded 16.3 million tons of goods in the eight months.
The number of passengers served during the January-August months of 2009 declined 0.2% in annual comparison, totalling 5.13 million.
CULTURAL NEWS
Rare Eduard Wiiralt Works on Display at Estonian Embassy in Helsinki
8 September - An exhibit of the works of Estonia's most famous graphic artist Eduard Wiiralt entitled "Love in Strasbourg" will be opened in the Estonian Embassy in Helsinki on Wednesday, 9 September. The Wiiralt works on display are part of the private collection of Finnish composer Juhani Komulainen. For the first time ever, the art-viewing public will be able to see a rare version of his famous graphical work "Lying Tiger".
The works to be displayed in the exhibit were done between 1926-1934 and were probably once owned by Wiiralt's acquaintance Nelly Stultz, who inspired the famous graphic artist in Paris in the 1930s. Composer Juhani Komulainen acquired the collection at a Paris auction in 2002. In addition to graphics, the collection also includes drawings, watercolours and monotypes, which form a unique collection of materials closely tied to Wiiralt's well-known creative legacy.
The most exciting artistic find in this collection may be the "Lying Tiger" dated 1937/1950 by the artist, which is the extraordinary version that was created between the more known works of the same name (1937 and 1950). All three versions of "Lying Tiger" done with the dry point technique will be displayed at the exhibit opening at the Estonian Embassy in Helsinki.
Another of Wiiralt's well-known works that will be on display along with some sketches is "Hell", as well as one of the artist's unfinished works, the colourful self-portrait drawing "The Fiddler".
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