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Estonian Review 10 - 16 June 2009
19.06.2009
PRESIDENT ILVES MET WITH US PRESIDENT
FOREIGN NEWS
DEFENCE NEWS
DOMESTIC NEWS
ECONOMIC NEWS
PRESIDENT ILVES MET WITH US PRESIDENT
President Ilves Met with President Obama in Washington
16 June - Estonian Head of State Toomas Hendrik Ilves, who is currently on a working visit to the United States of America, met in Washington with the President of the United States Barack Obama and his Security Advisor James Jones.
The main issues that were discussed at the meeting in the White House included the global recession, trans-Atlantic relations, the visibility and credibility of NATO as an organisation established to protect its allies, and the current situation in Afghanistan, the most important foreign mission of the alliance.
President Obama offered his condolences to Estonia for the death of Warrant Officer Allain Tikko, who was killed in Afghanistan Monday morning. President Ilves affirmed that while Estonia, like its allies, has suffered severe losses, we will go all the way and will not desert the mission in Afghanistan.
Three strengths - a strong Europe, a strong US and strong trans-Atlantic co-operation, supported by common values, are important for those interested in a stable and safe democratic world, President Ilves said.
We need these strengths both in Afghanistan, where faith in a safe country among the local population must be restored, and in Pakistan, by supporting the fight against the extremist movement; in restraining the nuclear ambitions of North-Korea and Iran; for enhancing democratic principles in NATO regions; for maintaining the military capabilities that are required for collective defence of the alliance, which serve as a necessary discouragement in fending off theoretical plans of attack from the outset; and also to mitigate the financial and economic crisis that is ravaging many countries in the world, said the Estonian head of state.
It's quite obvious that to overcome the global recession we need both decisiveness and persistence of the governments of those countries most effected by the crisis, as well as international and co-ordinated co-operation that is free of any protectionism, President Ilves stated. Cyber security was also discussed in the White House, and the Estonian head of state thanked the United States for its assistance and support in the establishment of the NATO Co-operative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Tallinn.
Cyber attacks, as those launched against Estonia two years ago, were a wake-up call, which demonstrated the importance of cyber security for many countries, President Ilves stated. Cyber attacks are cross-border by nature and, therefore, demand an international counter-attack. Proposals made by President of Russia Dmitri Medvedev concerning the new security structure of Europe were also discussed at the meeting; this will also be one of the major issues of the upcoming visit to Moscow by President Obama.
Serious and semantic dialogue with Russia is highly important and good co-operation between the United States and Russia would be beneficial all along the trans-Atlantic axis, President Ilves acknowledged. However, I don't think we have exhausted the solutions that are currently offering us security. And it is also important that dialogue with Russia would not harm the alliances of today. The Estonian head of state admitted that NATO shares some common interests with Russia, such as restraining the nuclear programmes of North Korea and Iran, although we are concerned with Moscow's attitude towards the countries between Russia and NATO.
FOREIGN NEWS
Estonia Supports Increasing Domestic Security in Georgia
10 June - In his meeting with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili today, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet emphasised Estonia's support for Georgia's reforms and its progress towards the European Union and NATO.
We wish for Georgia to move persistently and patiently, carrying out reforms that bring it closer to the European Union and NATO, said Paet. Estonia supports Georgia's efforts, and we hope that a visa facilitation and readmission agreement can be concluded between the European Union and Georgia very soon, Paet added.
Foreign Minister Urmas Paet emphasised Estonia's continuing support of Georgia in the development aid sector. Today Paet presented the interior ministry of Georgia with equipment that will help Georgia increase its capability to detect forged car documents and prevent the illicit sale of cars in the Caucasus region. Georgia is one of Estonia's four development co-operation target countries. We wish to support the development of a democratic Georgia; this border control equipment for improving domestic security is a part of that support, stated the Estonian foreign minister during the presentation ceremony at the Georgian Interior Ministry.
Topics of discussion included prospects for economic development and the attractiveness of Georgia's economic environment. Paet, who opened an Estonia-Georgia business seminar in Tbilisi, expressed hope that Georgia's preparations would soon reach the point when it would be possible to begin a comprehensive free trade agreement between the European Union and Georgia as well as negotiations for a European Union-Georgia association agreement.
Paet also stressed the necessity of concluding an agreement for the protection of investments between Estonia and Georgia.
Paet met today with Georgian Parliament Speaker David Bakradze, Prime Minister Nikoloz Gilaur, and Deputy Foreign Minister George Bokeria.
While talking with David Bakradze about Georgia's domestic political situation, Foreign Minister Paet expressed hope that Georgia's domestic political situation would stabilise and that debate would shift from the streets to the Parliament, which is the place for discussing and resolving issues that affect the development of the nation.
At their meeting they also discussed the security situation in the wake of last August's Georgia-Russia military conflict. The continuation of the UN UNOMIG mission as well as other international monitoring missions is essential for giving a feeling of security to the people of Georgia, but it is also an indicator of the fact that the Georgia-Russia military conflict has not been resolved, Paet stressed.
Paet, Vashadze Sign Estonia-Georgia Charter
10 June - Following their meeting in Tbilisi, Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and Georgian Foreign Minister Gregory Vashadze signed the Estonia-Georgia charter to further the two nations' political dialogue and intensify close relations in the fields of economics, defence, education, science and culture.
Paet emphasised that the political ties between Estonia and Georgia are already very tight, but Estonia would like to further develop relations in many areas. We would like to conclude a social security agreement between the two countries very soon, said Paet. We also hope to conclude a bilateral agreement for the protection of investments in the near future, in order to help create closer Estonia-Georgia business contacts, he added.
The foreign ministers discussed Estonia-Georgia co-operation within the framework of the European Union Neighbourhood Policy and the Eastern Partnership as well. Eastern Partnership gives an important opportunity for Georgia and other Eastern Partnership target nations to grow closer to the European Union, and this opportunity should be used, Paet stressed. We support Georgia's efforts in implementing domestic reforms and harmonising legislation, he added.
At the meeting, they also addressed relations with neighbouring nations and the security situation in the region.
Paet emphasised that Estonia considers the presence of international organisations and their missions in Georgia to be necessary. A long-term political solution in post-conflict Georgia must be based upon Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty, said Paet. The presence of international missions and the extension of the mandates for the European Union and UN monitoring missions support a feeling of security for people in Georgia and also carry the message that it is necessary to find a resolution to the conflict, said Paet, stressing that international observers require access to all of Georgia's territory. Paet noted that Estonia will also continue to support Georgia in its integration with NATO.
During the meeting, Georgian Foreign Minister Gregory Vashadze thanked Estonia for the help it was given Georgia, especially for development co-operation and humanitarian aid given in 2008 following the Russia-Georgia conflict.
Foreign Minister Urmas Paet issued an invitation for Gregory Vashadze to visit Estonia. The ministers expressed hope that the visit could take place within this year.
Estonia Supports Visa Liberalisation with Western Balkan Nations
15 June - Foreign Minister Urmas Paet participated in the European Union General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) in Luxembourg.
The European Union foreign ministers discussed the situation in the Western Balkans, focusing on the question of visa liberalisation and Serbia's co-operation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY). According to the European Commission reports, all the Western Balkan nations have made remarkable progress in reducing the risks associated with visa freedom. Foreign Minister Urmas Paet believes that most of the member states are supportive of moving forward with the visa liberalisation process with Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia this year so that the necessary procedures for setting up a visa-free regime can begin. Estonia supports waiving the visa requirement for countries that meet the appropriate guidelines, said Paet. In working towards visa liberalisation, it is important to address each country individually, depending on its fulfilment of the designated criteria and the implementation of necessary reforms, he elaborated. Estonia hopes that the European Union will enforce a visa-free regime for Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia in the near future, Paet added.
The foreign ministers' council approved the joint statement of the European Union and the United States on the closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility and future counterterrorism co-operation, in which the European Union member states express their readiness to help receive certain former Guantanamo detainees on a case-by-case basis. Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that it is necessary to continue co-operating with the United States on the closure of the Guantanamo detention facility, and that it is important to strengthen co-ordination and information exchange among the member states, including both members and non-members of the Schengen visa area.
In talking about the European Council taking place from 18-19 June, the European Union foreign ministers focused first and foremost on the economic and financial situation. Other important topics at the upcoming Council are institutional matters, such as the guarantees being promised to Ireland in relation to the Treaty of Lisbon and the upcoming new referendum in Ireland, as well as the naming of a new European Commission president. Another topic to be addressed is preparations for the climate change conference taking place in Copenhagen in December and the problems of illegal immigration. It is important for us that the Strategy for the Baltic Sea States and the programme for unifying the Baltic energy market are reflected in the Council's conclusions, said Paet. The Strategy for the Baltic Sea States, with its concrete action plan, is a good opportunity to develop regional co-operation within the borders of the European Union, he added.
Among external matters, the Council plans to address Afghanistan and Pakistan, and in the external relations portion of the conclusions the importance of both the Eastern Partnership and Middle East matters will be acknowledged.
Opening of Tallinn-St. Petersburg Flight Shows Development in Estonia-Russia Relations
12 June - At the regular European Union-themed consultations between Estonia and the Russian Federation this week, the primary topics discussed were the priorities of Sweden's upcoming European Union presidency, the general status of EU-Russia relations, and matters related to climate and energy co-operation. Other matters being addressed were trade issues, the situation in the shared neighbourhood, and co-operation in international organisations. The Estonian side introduced its positions on Eastern Partnership and the Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region to Russia.
The consultations were led on the Estonia side by political director of the Foreign Ministry Clyde Kull. The head of the Russian delegation was the director of the Europe department of the Russian Foreign Ministry Vladimir Voronkov.
Foreign Ministry political director Clyde Kull expressed satisfaction over the fact that the relations between the Estonian and Russian foreign ministries have evolved to become constructive and oriented towards finding resolutions for concrete issues.
To give an example of how it is possible to get results on concrete topics, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet named the Russian Federation's consent to open a direct flight route between Tallinn and St. Petersburg. The question of a Tallinn-St. Petersburg direct flight was brought up at a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in December of last year in Helsinki and also this year in June in Elsinore, Paet noted.
This week the Transport Ministry of the Russian Federation informed Estonia of its readiness to open a direct flight between Tallinn and St. Petersburg.
Paet: Armenian Reconciliation with Neighbours in Best Interest of European Security
11 June - Foreign Minister Urmas Paet, in Armenia on a visit, stated that it is in Estonia's security interests for the conflicts and dissensions in Lower Karabakh to be resolved. This includes the resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, the normalisation of Armenia-Turkey relations, and the support of Georgia's territorial integrity, said Paet.
Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said during his meetings that Estonia is interested in developing relations with Armenia in the political, economic and cultural fields.
Both the Estonian and Armenian foreign ministers expressed hope that the Estonia-Armenia business forum opened today is an important step for economic relations. Estonian businesses have not yet discovered Armenia and its investment opportunities. Hopefully this business seminar is a good start for intensifying contacts in the future, said Paet in Jerevan while opening the seminar. The Armenian side expressed a lively interest in Estonia's e-democracy and information technology development, as well as in sharing the experiences of constructing Estonia's insurance system.
During his official visit in Armenia, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet discussed a variety of topics in meetings with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, Parliament Speaker Hovik Abrahamjan, Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian and Economic Minister Nerses Yeritsian.
Foreign Minister Urmas Paet brought up Estonia's wish for Armenia to abolish the visa requirement for Estonian citizens. Estonia would also like to sign a readmission agreement with Armenia as soon as possible, Paet noted.
Armenian Economic Minister Nerses Yeritsian, during his meeting with Foreign Minister Paet, expressed interest in Estonia's pension system and informed the foreign minister that Armenia would like to create a pension pillar programme based on Estonia's example.
During his meeting with Foreign Minister Nalbandian, Paet said that Eastern Partnership is a good opportunity for Armenia to grow closer to the European Union. I hope that Armenia will use the opportunities offered by Eastern Partnership in every way possible, said Paet. We hope that as a result of Eastern Partnership co-operation, close economic relations will be created between the target states and the European Union, and that in the future we will also achieve the conclusion of a comprehensive free trade agreement, he added.
When talking about co-operation between the two nations, Paet also mentioned the training opportunities that Estonia offers to Armenian diplomats. Young Armenian diplomats participate in the short-term training on European Union and NATO integration organised by the Estonian School of Diplomacy. The programme will continue for another year, Paet noted. For six years now, Estonia has co-operated with Sweden to organise trainings for Armenian rescue specialists, he added.
Paet emphasised at the meeting that Estonia supports the peaceful and constructive resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. The steps taken between Armenia and Azerbaijan to find a peaceful solution to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict are encouraging, he stated. While talking about Armenia-NATO co-operation, Paet noted that Estonia would be happy to see Armenia participating in the reconstruction of Afghanistan within the framework of NATO's ISAF peacekeeping mission.
President Ilves Introducing Estonia in Silicon Valley
12 June - While opening an event in Silicon Valley to introduce Estonian companies Fits.me, Fotki, BookingShark and MobileNow, President Toomas Hendrik Ilves said that Estonia's success stories and innovative character will make its companies attractive for foreign venture capital.
After restoring our independence we had the opportunity to establish modern infrastructures into an originally vacant space, focusing on IT as the engine of our economy and development in general, President Ilves said. Since then, all subsequent governments have supported the implementation of IT solutions and computer education; thanks to this fact, the provision of public services in Estonia is efficient and transparent. Big things are made to happen in small places; this is confirmed by Estonia's success as a state and e-state, the head of state stated. I encourage entrepreneurs and foreign investors to become acquainted with the solutions we have created in Estonia at both corporation and governmental level. On Thursday, President Ilves met with Mr. John L. Hennessy, the Rector of Stanford University, and several professors, who invited Estonian universities and students for closer co-operation. Rector Hennessy also stated that he intends to place more focus on teaching the recent history of the Baltic states. President Ilves added that a remarkable part of the academic research that has been conducted in the field of European history over the last 20 years has actually been published in the United States of America.
The Estonian head of state also thanked Stanford University for conducting a half-year seminar series entitled European Entrepreneurship & Innovation Thought Leaders, in co-operation with the Enterprise Estonia Foundation. Mr. Allan Martinson, Mr. Sten Tamkivi, Mr. Andrus Aaslaid, Mr. Kalev Kask and Mr. Andrus Viirg delivered lectures in Stanford within the framework of the series. President Ilves will also meet with Ms. Condoleezza Rice, the former Secretary of State of the United States of America, and give a presentation at the World Affairs Council in San Francisco on foreign and security politics.
Estonia Joined International Renewable Energy Agency
12 June - Estonian Ambassador to Germany Mart Laanemäe signed the statute of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Berlin this week, which signifies Estonia's joining IRENA.
Ambassador Mart Laanemäe stated that Estonia has been deeply involved in the creation of the agency from the beginning. We live in a world where energy consumption grows from year to year while energy resources are steadily depleting. In the long run, we can't continue to rely on fossil fuels. We must increase the use of renewable energy and promote energy conservation, said Ambassador Laanemäe. Estonia has set the goal to increase the use of renewable energy from the current 18% to 25% by the year 2010. With IRENA's help, we can do this as effectively as possible and share our experiences in wind energy and biomass in order to promote the use of renewable energy all over the world, stated Ambassador Laanemäe.
IRENA is an intergovernmental organisation whose goal is to draw together and analyse activities and research in the field of renewable energy, guide the development of renewable energy, and promote its widespread use across the world. One of the agency's primary responsibilities is to consult with members on energy sources, technology, business models, choosing an organisational and regulating framework, and adjusting to changes.
On 29 January of this year the statute of the International Renewable Energy Agency was approved in Berlin and opened to the signatures of those who wished to join. Today 96 nations have signed the statute. IRENA will officially enter into force once 25 nations have submitted their instruments of ratification. Currently IRENA has not yet officially come into force as an agency.
Foreign Minister Paet Opened Estonian Honorary Consulate in Ǻland
16 June - Foreign Minister Urmas Paet opened the sixth Estonian honorary consulate in Finland in Mariehamn. The Estonian honorary consul in Ǻland is Johan Anders Eriksson.
Foreign Minister Paet also met with representatives of the Ǻland Parliament, led by Speaker Roger Nordlund. At the meeting they discussed European Union issues, topics related to the Baltic Sea region, tourism matters, and co-operation in the cultural realm.
At the opening of the honorary consulate, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that Ǻland is a well-known and loved tourism destination for Estonians. Our new honorary consul would also like to help with enlivening business and economic contacts between Estonia and Ǻland as well as promoting cultural ties, Paet noted.
The honorary consulate is located at Vikingagränd 2, FIN-22100 Mariehamn, Ǻland. The consulate can be reached by telephone at + 358 18 24 111, fax +358 18 17 150, or e-mail: johan.eriksson@samtrans.alandi.fi.
Johan Anders Eriksson was born in Mariehamn in 1958 and is a successful and respected entrepreneur in Ǻland. After completing his studies at Uppsala University he worked in many incorporated enterprises tied to Ǻland. Eriksson was also the long-standing acting director of the Ǻland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, through which he has many business ties and contacts in Estonia and other countries. Since 2007 he has been the acting director of the company Samtrans Logistics. Estonia's new honorary consul speaks Swedish, Finnish, English and German. Johan Anders Eriksson is married and has three children.
Secretary General Kokk Discussed EU Foreign Service with Dutch Colleague
11 June - Foreign Ministry Secretary General Marten Kokk met with his Dutch colleague Ed Kronenburg in The Hague. The secretaries general talked about the effect of the economic crisis on foreign service and also the creation of a common foreign service for the European Union.
In discussing a common foreign service for the European Union, Marten Kokk stated that it must increase the unity of the EU's foreign policy and improve the co-ordination of all aspects of the union's foreign activities. It's important that not only European Union institutions have a say in the renewed European Union foreign service, but that the member states contribute significantly as well, noted Secretary General Kokk. We also feel it is necessary to consider unifying some aspects of development co-operation and enlargement with the European Union foreign service, he added.
The secretaries general of the Estonian and Dutch foreign ministries also discussed the further enlargement of the European Union and economic issues. Marten Kokk stated that regardless of the complicated economic situation in Europe and the currently incomplete EU institutional reforms, European Union enlargement must continue on the same basis as before.
Estonia Rises to 24th Position in World E-readiness List
18 June (BNS) - In a study of 70 countries from all around the world carried out by the Economist magazine and IBM, Estonia climbed from last year's 28th position to 24th.
The North European countries Denmark and Sweden stand at the top of the list, with the Netherlands and Norway close at their heels. Last year's leader, the United States, ranks 5th this year, while Lithuania ranks 32nd and Latvia 37th.
The Estonian e-readiness index is 7.28 points on a ten-point scale. Latvia scored 6.34 and Latvia 5.97 points.
Denmark was at the top of the list also in 2004-2007, but sank to 5th place last year. Lithuania has climbed from the 38th place to the 32nd this year and Latvia has kept its 37th ranking.
The e-index of most of the 70 countries studied has fallen, and only nine countries, including Estonia, have improved their index.
"The Estonian ranking in the list improved thanks to the fact that many e-solutions have been worked out and implemented by today, Riina Roosipuu, sales manager of IBM Estonia, commented Estonia's rise in the list.
The e-readiness index measures the e-business environment by means of different factors characterising readiness of the market to apply internet-based business opportunities.
The index is calculated on the basis of more than a hundred criteria.
DOMESTIC NEWS
National Police Chief Named Head of United Interior Agency
10 June (BNS) - A panel at the Estonian Interior Ministry has chosen National Police Commissioner Raivo Kuut to head the interior department emerging as a result of the unification of the police, the border guard and the Citizenship and Migration Board.
Next the minister of interior will present the candidacy to the parliamentary legal affairs committee.
"Determinative for the selection of Kuut were both his leadership record as well as a convincingly argued description of the role and tasks of the future leader," the commission's chairman Mart Kraft said.
After the legal affairs committee has given its opinion, the interior minister will propose the government to appoint the director general to office effective from 1 January 2010, when the merged department starts its work. Making the appointment half a year earlier allows the new leader to form his team and make the decisions necessary for the launch of the new department, spokespeople added.
DEFENCE NEWS
Estonia to Double Number of Soldiers in Afghanistan
11 June - Yesterday, the Estonian Parliament adopted a resolution according to which the Estonian Defence Forces will send an additional unit of up to 140 soldiers to Afghanistan to provide security for the elections in August.
The additional 140 men will double Estonia's contribution to ISAF and Estonia will thus become the largest per capita military contributor to Afghanistan.
The task of the infantry company will be to help Afghanistan's police and army in providing security for the presidential and provincial council elections on 20 August. The unit will operate in Helmand Province in Southern Afghanistan and will be stationed there from 1 July to 1 December.
At present, Estonia has one infantry company, a logistics support unit and staff officers - altogether 150 service members - in Afghanistan. The majority of them, including the infantry company Estcoy-8, are operating in the restive Helmand province under British command. They have participated in several operations against the Taliban and other insurgents as well as carried out joint operations with ANA units. The additional company is planned to serve under US Marines also in Helmand Province.
The Estonian Defence Forces have participated in the Afghanistan mission since 2003. The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan consists of the members of 42 countries. To provide security for the elections, additional units will be sent to Afghanistan from more than 20 countries belonging to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).
Since 2006, Afghanistan has been one of Estonia's priority partner countries for development co-operation. Estonia focuses on supporting the health care sector in Helmand province and is also the lead co-ordinating nation. The health sector receives the lion's share of Estonia's resources for civilian co-operation in Afghanistan. Estonia also continues to contribute to the education and governance sectors. Estonia has increased its contribution to the EU Police Mission to Afghanistan (EUPOL Afghanistan).
NATO Defence Ministers Approve New NRF Model
15 June - At the meeting of NATO Defence Ministers being held last week in Brussels, the new model of the Response Force of the Alliance was approved, which will make it a more flexible and efficient unit.
The main task of the NATO Response Force (NRF) is to ensure high readiness in the event of any type of conflict, including the crises regarding Article 5 on collective defence in the Washington Treaty.
At the meeting, the defence ministers reiterated their commitment to the principle of collective defence.
According to Minister of Defence Jaak Aaviksoo, the up to 13 000-strong core unit will be the main response force of NATO, both in the common protective measure of the Alliance and also in military operations outside NATO if necessary.
The development of the Response Force in the context of NATO is a very important goal for Estonia, which is why we are ready to make a feasible contribution to the manning of NRF units in the coming years. We are also glad to note that in addition to extensive practical military aid, the member states of the Alliance also have a very clear political will to apply the Response Force for the protection of their partners, if necessary, Aaviksoo said.
The new NRF model is largely based on the significant elements of the Allied Solidarity Force within the NRF, proposed earlier on the initiative of Great Britain - joint planning and training, solidarity funding model, great visibility to the public and a credible intimidation capability. The core of the NRF will be a unit of up to 13 000 that is ready for departure to a crisis area in five to ten days. In addition to this, additional military units with 10-30 day readiness will also be established by member states.
In the coming years, Estonia plans to contribute to the NRF with an average of 40 members of the Defence Forces or with other comparable capabilities. In the first half of 2010, Estonia will participate in the Baltic Battalion, in the 14th rotation of the NRF, with almost 200 members of the Defence Forces.
The participants of the meeting also commemorated with a minute's silence the members of the Defence Forces who have fallen during NATO missions, in honour of whom a memorial stone was opened in front of the Headquarters of the Alliance.
Baltic Battalion Given High Assessment
12 June (BNS) - The assessment phase was concluded at a joint exercise of the Baltic Battalion in the Adazi training ground in Latvia Friday morning with the soldiers given high praise.
In the course of the three-day assessment, the condition of the unit's equipment, communications and hardware as well as readiness of the battalion in different tactical situations was checked.
The battalion carried out a tactical march and an assault operation. In addition, the international observers assessed the operation of the Estonian unit in an enemy ambush, in the evacuation of an armed personnel carrier, in the action of the unit on hitting an improvised explosive device and in a helicopter evacuation of the wounded, a spokesman for the Defence Forces said.
"The assessments of the unit show that the training has been of a high class, and the action was speedy and confident. The results of the assessment of the battalion show that the Baltic countries have done serious work in the preparation of the battalion and that we will transfer to the composition of NRF-14 a well-supplied and splendidly functioning rapid reaction battalion meeting the highest standards," said Maj. Jaak Mee, head of the operations department of the land forces headquarters.
The NATO CREVAL assessment system, on the basis of which all NATO infantry battalions are assessed, was used in the assessment of the Baltic Battalion. The positive assessment grants the right to the Baltic Battalion to take part in NATO rapid reaction forces.
Assessment of the exercise is being observed by Lt. Col. Karel Schuch and Maj. Eugenijus Lastauskas from the NATO land forces headquarters in Heidelberg.
The Baltic Eagle will continue with a shooting exercise at the Adazi training ground.
The Baltic Battalion is the three Baltic countries' joint contribution to the 14th rotation of the NATO response forces in 2010.
The leading country of the Baltic Battalion is Lithuania, which will provide nearly half of the 840-strong unit.
Estonia is taking part in the battalion with one infantry company, a reconnaissance platoon, a logistics support unit, a military police unit and staff officers, a total of 192 soldiers, so far the biggest Estonian contribution to the NATO response forces.
The deputy commander of the battalion is Maj. Rain Jano from Estonia, with Lt. Col. Remigijus Baltrenas from Lithuania serving as commander of the battalion. There are nearly 1 000 soldiers from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania taking part in the exercise.
The aim of the exercise to take place from 2-17 June is to achieve the co-operability of the Baltic infantry battalion and check the readiness of the unit. Previously the Baltic countries' units have passed assessments on the national level, and the headquarters of the battalion have trained co-operation at various co-operation exercises.
Aaviksoo: Baltic Battalion Illustrates Success of Trilateral Co-operation
16 June (BNS) - Estonian Defence Minister Jaak Aaviksoo said after observing the Baltic Eagle exercise of the Baltic Battalion at Latvia's Adazi training ground that the battalion shows the success of co-operation among the three Baltic states.
"The fact that the Baltic Battalion consisting of members of the Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian Defence Forces has by today received a very high accreditation and evaluation clearly shows that the co-operation of the Baltic states' land forces is viable and useful, and further increases the solidarity of the countries," Aaviksoo said through a spokesperson.
Aaviksoo, who attended the drills together with armed forces chief Lt. Gen. Ants Laaneots, met with BALTBAT commander Lt. Col. Remigijus Baltrenas of Lithuania, was briefed about the previous course of the exercise, and watched shooting practice.
The minister and army chief also met with members of the Estonian infantry company serving in BALTBAT, who will soon head to Afghanistan to secure the August presidential election.
The minister wished the troops success and soldier's luck on the mission and said nothing was more important at present than supporting soldiers on the mission.
Participants in and visitors to the Baltic Eagle exercise observed a minute's silence on Tuesday in memory of Master Sgt. Allain Tikko of the Estonian Defence Forces, who was killed in Afghanistan on Monday.
Aaviksoo met on Tuesday in Riga with his Latvian colleague Imants Liegis and Lithuanian Defence Minister Rasa Jukneviciene. The three discussed the co-operation of the Baltic air forces.
"The need to renew the political agreement on continued co-operation of the three countries' air forces in the longer term arose mainly from the constant updating of technology," Aaviksoo said.
The Baltic Battalion is the three countries' joint contribution to the 14th rotation of the NATO response force, NRF-14, in 2010. The lead country, Lithuania, provides nearly half of the 840-strong unit.
Estonia has assigned to the battalion an infantry company, a reconnaissance platoon, a logistics support unit, a military police unit and staff officers, 192 personnel in all, representing the country's biggest contribution to the NATO response forces so far.
RC(S) Ministers Stressed Need to Develop Civilian Structures
12 June - The need for supporting the development of local civilian structures was stressed as being equally important as increasing the military presence at the Regional Command (South) Ministers' meeting in Maastricht on Wednesday and Thursday.
The majority of the ministers of defence of countries operating in the region informed of the deployment of additional forces to provide security for the coming presidential elections in August.
According to the ministers of defence, stability in the region can only be achieved by paying greater attention to civilian-military co-operation. If at this moment Afghanistan's civilian structures are being supported on a provincial level then for the sake of progress a system has to be developed that has a broader scope and co-ordinates these activities on a regional level.
According to Minister of Defence Jaak Aaviksoo, the providing of security in Afghanistan is a difficult task, but there is already some positive progress to be noted. The people of the country and the international public can see it, for instance, in the fact that for the first time in the last 30 years Afghanistan is able to cover the needs of its population with its own grain output, said Aaviksoo. The defence ministers of contributors to Southern Afghanistan expressed at the meeting their delight with the fact that Afghanistan's own army has developed quite well and is already leading over half of the anti-Taliban operations in the country. In the further development of Afghanistan's army it is important that NATO is able to provide all the planned training teams required. Estonia also plans to complement its Afghanistan mission in the coming years by dispatching instructors to train Afghanistan's army units.
Also discussed at the meeting was the changing of the current NATO Afghanistan mission's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to allow the ISAF Headquarters to concentrate more on strategic issues, at the same time separate staffs subordinate to the ISAF will be created for the co-ordination of its tactical and operative levels. This change would have no direct impact on the Estonian units' day-to-day operations, but it should increase the overall effectiveness of the ISAF, said Minister of Defence Aaviksoo.
Besides Estonia, representatives of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, Romania, Denmark and the Netherlands attended the Regional Command (South) Ministers' Meeting.
Terras and Head of Maryland National Guard Discussed Participation in Missions
10 June - Today, the Permanent Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defence met with the Head of the Maryland National Guard, Brigadier General James A. Adkins, with whom defence-related co-operation between the State of Maryland and the Republic of Estonia, as well as foreign operations, were discussed.
At the meeting, Permanent Undersecretary Terras gave an overview of the current foreign operations of the Estonian Defence Forces and related future plans.
We agreed that the long-term successful cooperation between the Maryland National Guard and the Estonian national defence structures can be taken to a new level, considering the potential future contribution of the Estonian Defence Forces to the training teams of the Afghanistan army, Terras said.
The Maryland National Guard has been co-operating with the Estonian Defence Forces and National Defence League since 1993. The National Guard has organised the training of the Defence Forces and Defence League in the United States and contributed to the strengthening of the Defence League as a voluntary national defence organisation. In the 1990s, Brigadier General Adkins operated as the co-ordinator of the co-operation with Estonia in Maryland and for that he has been awarded the Order of the White Cross, 2nd class.
Brigadier General Adkins also met with Chief of the Defence Forces Lieutenant General Ants Laaneots. Yesterday, he met with Commander of the Defence League Lieutenant Colonel Raivo Lumiste.
Estonian Soldier Killed in Afghanistan
15 June (BNS) - An Estonian soldier was killed on Monday morning in Afghanistan.
Master Sgt. Allain Tikko, 30, squad leader with the infantry company ESTCOY-8, was killed as the unit under his command ran into an ambush about one kilometer from the Pimon patrol base in the Nad-e-Ali area in the restless southern province of Helmand, military spokespeople in Tallinn said.
Tikko's next of kin have been informed about the loss. The Defence Forces expressed their deepest condolences and asked the press to respect the grief of the fallen warrant officer's family and friends.
Tikko started service in the Defence Forces in 1998. He had earlier participated in three foreign missions -- as squad leader with the Baltic reconnaissance unit in NATO's KFOR operation in Kosovo in 2003, as squad leader in ESTPLA-9 in Iraq in 2004, and as platoon leader in ESTCOY-4 in Afghanistan in 2007.
Estonian military have lost three men since joining the NATO-led operation in Afghanistan in 2003.
Estonia has at present the infantry company ESTCOY-8, logistics unit NSE-7, and staff officers, around 150 military personnel in all, stationed in Afghanistan.
ECONOMIC NEWS
Currency Rates in Kroons
(Bank of Estonia)
Sign in National Colours to Designate Estonian Food Products
16 June (BNS) - The Estonian Food Industry Association together with producers and retail chains will launch a campaign for the popularisation of Estonian food in which domestic food products will get a sign in national colours.
Sirje Potisepp, head of the Estonian Food Association, said the aim of the campaign was to raise consumer loyalty concerning Estonian goods.
Potisepp said the popularity of local food items was falling. "The share is falling in the assortment and so its competitiveness is contracting," she said at a press conference on Thursday. The average percentage of Estonian food in stores was 63 in 2008; the year before it was 64%.
The aim of the national colours campaign is to help consumers find Estonian products in stores. According to the Estonian Institute of Economic Research (EKI) it is difficult for consumers to establish the origin of goods in stores because the product information is in too small print on packages and the origin country of the raw material, the producer country or the producer cannot be established from product information.
According to an EKI study, 70% of the people preferred Estonian products in 2008, while in 2007 the figure was 73% and in the best years, 2002 and 2007, 87%.
According to present plans the campaign will last until July 1010, but it could be extended indefinitely.
Capacity of Estonian Wind Farms Set to Rise to 200 Megawatts by 2012
15 June (BNS) - The combined size of the projects currently under way is big enough for the total capacity of wind farms in Estonia to be raised to 200 megawatts by the year 2012, the head of the Wind Energy Association said on Monday.
An aggregate capacity of namely this size is called for by the national development plan for electric energy, said the association's Board Chairman Martin Kruus.
The national capacity, which now stands at 80 megawatts, is planned to rise to 200 megawatts by 2012 and to 900 megawatts by 2018.
Kruus, manager of the company OÜ Nelja Energia, said that the capacity of wind farms run by Nelja Energia will increase by 30-50 megawatts this year.
The national power company Eesti Energia is about to open its 39-megawatt, 900-million-kroon Aulepa wind farm on Tuesday.
Compared with the 900 megawatt capacity planned for the entire sector by 2018, applications for the linkup of wind generating facilities have been filed with the national power network company for a capacity of 3,000 megawatts.
"There are more plans than actually work out," Kruus explained.
Of the planned capacity of 900 megawatts, 400 megawatts would be provided by land based wind farms and 500 megawatts by offshore farms.
EBRD Confirms 19 Million EUR Investment in Freenergy
10 June (BNS) - The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development announced an investment of 18.85 million euros in the wind farm developer Freenergy AS.
The EBRD will acquire a 35% stake in Freenergy, thereby supporting the company's plans for further development of the existing wind farms and construction of new ones.
Member of Freenergy's supervisory board Kalle Kiigske told BNS that the EBRD, Freenergy and the owners of the latter concluded on Wednesday an agreement on expanding the company's capital.
Freenergy has at present 15 wind farm projects, whose development is directed by Nelja Energia OU. Eleven projects are situated in Estonia, three in Latvia and one in Lithuania.
The combined capacity of the completed wind farms will be 330 megawatts, nearly tripling the capacity of farms currently in operation in the Baltic states. They will cover around 3% of the Baltic countries' electricity demand.
Development of wind farms will reduce the Baltic states' dependence on imports and help them meet European Union requirements of renewable energy usage, the EBRD observed. The Freenergy wind farms will also help reduce the shortage of electricity after the shutdown of the Ignalina nuclear power plant in Lithuania.
Tallink Carries More than Half of Port of Tallinn Passengers
16 June (BNS) - The number of passengers passing through Estonia's Port of Tallinn totalled 664 789 in May, and 384 654 or 58% of them travelled on board Tallink ships.
Viking Line and Eckerö Line served respectively 139 938 and 85 491 of the passengers passing through the port, it appears from Port of Tallinn Statistics. The market share of Viking Line was 21% and of Eckero Line 13% in the Port of Tallinn.
Last year in the same period Tallink's market share in the Port of Tallinn was 47%, that of Viking Line 19% and of Eckerö Line about 10%.
Cruise ships served 53 910 passengers in May, 10% more than in the same month last year. The market share of cruise ships in the Port of Tallinn was 8%.
Other shipping companies served 796 passengers in the Port of Tallinn.
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