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Estonian Review: 8-14 October 2008
17.10.2008
PRESIDENT OF TURKEY IN TALLINN
FOREIGN NEWS
DEFENCE NEWS
DOMESTIC NEWS
ECONOMIC NEWS
PRESIDENT OF TURKEY IN TALLINN
Presidents Emphasise Relations, Security
10 October - President Toomas Hendrik Ilves welcomed at Kadriorg Turkish President Abdullah Gül, who arrived in Tallinn with his wife on an official visit to Estonia at the invitation of the Estonian head of state.
Relations between Estonia and Turkey are very good, and our friendly mutual contacts in the fields of economy, politics and culture are continuously consolidating, President Ilves stressed.
The heads of state expressed their gratification that the trade turnover between Estonia and Turkey has increased almost twelvefold since 1999; last year, more than 20,000 Estonian tourists visited Turkey, which is more than four times as many as in 2003. In 2010, the Turkish national airline plans to start direct flights between Tallinn and Istanbul, which will further intensify mutual relations.
According to President Ilves, the field of information and communications technology provides the best opportunities for mutually beneficial economic co-operation.
We want to share our experiences in building an information society with Turkey and to encourage mutual co-operation between the companies of both countries in the corresponding fields, the Estonian Head of State said, and added that the exchange of IT students between the two countries is important.
Speaking of the enlargement of the European Union, President Ilves affirmed that Estonia continues to support the accession of Turkey as a very important country internationally and a firm ally of Europe, and expressed gratification regarding Turkey's progress to date.
Presidents Ilves and Gül spoke of the changed security situation in the South Caucasus and the wider role of NATO.
The visibility of NATO is extremely important in the world as a whole as well as for the citizens of the member states, President Ilves stressed, while also recognising Turkey's contribution to the safeguarding of the Baltic countries' airspace.
President Gül announced the decision to send a Turkish expert to the NATO Cyber Defence Centre located in Tallinn.
At the meeting, President Gül also explained the Turkish initiative to conclude a Stability Pact for the South Caucasus, with the goal of bringing the region's countries-Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey and Russia-to a common table, which would help to restore normal relations and dialogue between the countries.
The heads of state also opened an Estonian-Turkish business forum and an exhibition reflecting relations between the two countries. President Ilves and Evelin Ilves hosted a formal dinner in honour of President Gül and Mrs. Hayrünnisa Gül.
President Gül also met with Prime Minister Andrus Ansip, who thanked Turkey for its constant support. Turkey did not recognise the incorporation of Estonia into the Soviet Union, and Turkey also supported us during preparations for accession to NATO," Ansip said.
FOREIGN NEWS
Georgian Foreign Minister Discussed Georgia's Situation During Visit
10 October - President Toomas Hendrik Ilves and Georgian Foreign Minister Eka Tkeshelashvili met during the foreign minister's visit to Tallinn and spoke at length about the situation in Georgia after the Russian invasion.
President Ilves confirmed that Estonia still thinks it is essential that Russia fulfil all the requirements of French President Nicholas Sarkozy's peace plan, which calls for the withdrawal of forces to pre-August 7th positions, as well as the right of refugees to return to their homes.
President Ilves welcomed the quick organisation of the Georgia Donors' Conference in Brussels and the European Commission's plan to contribute a half a billion euros to Georgia over the next few years. He also said that Estonia will soon send its third aid shipment to Georgia, which is primarily intended for refugee children and mothers. However, we are still worried that the provisions of humanitarian aid and the movement of foreign observers are restricted by Russian forces and South Ossetian separatists, President Ilves said.
According to the Estonian head of state, the Russia-Georgia conflict should result in the intensification of relations between the European Union and Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova, as well as the Union's closer co-operation with trustworthy partners that share the same values such as the USA, Canada and Turkey.
President Ilves affirmed Estonia's support for Georgia's reform policies. We encourage you to intensify your political and economic reforms, because the greater the democracy, the stronger Georgia is. And the more Georgia is splintered into opposing sides, the better it is for Georgia's enemies, Ilves told Foreign Minister Tkeshelashvili.
According to President Ilves, Georgia deserves an action plan for NATO accession, which would bolster Tbilisi's resolve to continue its in-depth reforms of society. A Membership Action Plan (MAP) for accession to the alliance is not an automatic NATO membership card, but traversing this roadmap is a homework assignment that is compulsory for entry into NATO, President Ilves pointed out.
During her visit, Foreign Minister Tkeshelashvili also met with Riigikogu Speaker Ene Ergma and Defence Ministry Secretary General Lauri Almann. She also hosted a reception with Foreign Minister Urmas Paet for Estonian experts that provided help in Georgia.
European Union Foreign Ministers Hope Conferences for Georgia Will Yield Results
13 October - Foreign Minister Urmas Paet participated in the foreign ministers' council at the European Union General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) in Luxembourg.
While talking about the situation in Georgia, the foreign ministers agreed that in addition to the developments that have taken place and the fact that Russian forces have partially vacated the area around South Ossetia and Abkhazia, both sides must continue to fulfil their responsibilities. Removing their armed forces from part of Georgia's territory is only one of the steps to fulfilling the responsibilities that Russia has taken upon itself in the agreements of 12 August and 8 September, said Foreign Minister Urmas Paet.
The Estonian foreign minister stated that the experience of the Russia-Georgia conflict indicates the need to strengthen relations with all the nations in the European Neighbourhood Policy's Eastern Dimension. In this way we could express our long-term interest in stabilising the region, said Urmas Paet. In tighter integration with the European Union, we offer our neighbours a serious strategic option, Paet emphasised.
In its conclusions, the foreign ministers' council welcomed the initiation of international discussions on 15 October. Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that the international talks about eliminating the aftermath of the Georgia crisis, which will take place in Geneva under the auspices of the EU, UN, and OSCE, are extremely important. We hope that as a result of the negotiations, the guarantee of security
and the situations of internal refugees in Georgia will both improve, noted Foreign Minister Paet. We must also focus on Georgia's territorial integrity, emphasised Paet. The European Union foreign policy leaders expressed hope that the meeting of donors for reviving Georgia's economy, which will take place in Brussels on 22 October, will also be a positive step towards restoring the trust of investors.
The foreign ministers discussed the situation in Belarus and agreed that although the parliamentary elections in September did not correspond to democratic standards, Belarus is making small steps towards opening up its society-for example, political prisoners have been liberated. The European Union foreign policy leaders decided to resume relations with Belarusian powers, putting a stop on some officials' visa bans for six months. Foreign Minister Urmas Paet believes that ending isolation policies could help to develop dialogue and intensify relations with the authorities in Belarus. However, it is also possible to re-activate the visa ban if democratic developments do not continue in Belarus, Paet specified.
Regarding the latest developments in Uzbeksitan, the European Union foreign ministers agreed that the country has not fulfilled all the requirements that were set during April's council, although reforms in the justice system, the freeing of human rights activists, and doing away with the death penalty show the nation's desire to change its situation. Based on these factors, the foreign ministers' council decided to end the visa ban on Uzbekistan's leadership, inspiring them to co-operate with the European Union on human rights issues; however, the weapons embargo was extended to 12 months.
Estonia and Bulgaria Conclude Agreement to Facilitate Trade Relations
13 October - Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and Bulgarian Foreign Minister Ivailo Kalfin, both in Luxembourg for the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC), signed an agreement for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion between Estonia and Bulgaria.
The agreement for the avoidance of double taxation is a step forward in the development of economic and trade relations between Estonia and Bulgaria, Foreign Minister Paet said at the signing. Paet stated that the agreement gives additional security to investments and economic co-operation.
Estonia has concluded agreements for the avoidance of double taxation with more than 30 nations. The goal of these agreements is to promote investments, ensure the equal treatment of individuals, and preclude double taxation, which could arise as a result of the combination of the laws of the two nations. The agreement also helps to create opportunities for preventing tax evasion.
After the signing of the agreement, it will need to be ratified in both nations.
Estonia Supports E-Government Training for Officials in Albania, Montenegro
8 October - The Foreign Ministry is supporting e-governance training for officials from the foreign ministries and other government institutions of Albania and Montenegro with 597,000 kroons (about 38,000 EUR).
Estonia's goal is to help improve the e-governance capabilities of the Western Balkan countries, Albania, and Montenegro, explained Foreign Minister Urmas Paet. Estonia would like to share its e-government experiences with the world. With the training, we will give an overview of the creation, composition, and functioning of an e-governance system, said Foreign Minister Paet.
The skilled used of information technology improves the government's efficiency, transparency, and responsibility in the area of offering public services, Paet emphasised.
The project will be carried out in Albania and Montenegro by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in co-operation with the e-Governance Academy. The project is being supported by funds from the Foreign Ministry's development and humanitarian aid budget.
Estonia-India Consultations Focus on Co-operation Accords
8 October - Political consultations in Tallinn between the foreign ministries of Estonia and India focused on bilateral co-operation, including the signing of new co-operation accords between the two countries.
"Right now work is under way on one of the main agreements to support business contacts -- the agreement on the avoidance of double taxation between Estonia and India," said Andres Talvik, director of the Foreign Ministry's division for Asia, Australia and Oceania.
He said the parties expect to agree about the text of the agreement in November.
Also discussed during Wednesday's consultations were co-operation in research and education, joint activity in biotechnology and information technology, as well as in international organisations.
Education Co-operation Agreement Between Estonia and China Signed
13 October - In Beijing, Estonian Minister of Education and Research Tõnis Lukas and his Chinese colleague Zhou Ji concluded a co-operation programme whose key points are the state-supported exchange of students and mutual promotion of language studies.
During the meeting, both sides primarily showed interest in the close co-operation of universities and mutual language study. China would like to have an Estonian lecturer at the foreign studies university in Beijing so that it can include the languages of all the European Union member states in the curriculum. The ministers agreed that specialists would soon start drafting accords on mutual recognition of educational diplomas and qualifications.
Under the programme signed today, Estonia will support the studies of two Chinese students pursuing master's or doctorate degrees at an Estonian university for one year, and give one Chinese student a grant for summer courses in the Estonian language and culture. The Chinese side will in turn support the studies of three Estonians at Chinese universities annually.
To foster mutual language and cultural studies in both secondary and higher educational establishments, the programme stipulates the exchange of teachers and professors. The measures to support language and cultural studies will be co-ordinated by the Confucius Institute in China and the Estonian Institute in this country.
The programme further provides for exchanges of youth delegations, educational information exchanges, participation of education specialists' delegations in congresses and conferences in the other country, and support for students' participation in international competitions, programmes and projects.
The Estonian education delegation included the rectors of four Estonian universities in addition to the minister and ministry officials.
Estonian Ambassadors to Belgium, Lithuania Present Credentials
13 October - Estonian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium Karin Jaani and Estonian Ambassador to the Republic of Lithuania Tiit Naber both presented their credentials this week.
After Ambassador Jaani presented her credentials to King Albert II of Belgium, the king fondly recalled the royal couple's visit to Estonia in the spring, saying that Estonia's rapid development has been impressive. Ambassador Karin Jaani stated that the royal couple's visit was one of the crowning events of relations between the two countries and that Estonian people still remember it well.
Karin Jaani is also the Estonian ambassador to Montenegro residing in Brussels.
In his discussion with Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus after presenting his credentials, Ambassador Tiit Naber expressed his satisfaction over the strong and multi-faceted co-operation that takes place between Estonia and Lithuania. The ambassador emphasised that aside from official and political contacts, there is also intense and meaningful co-operation in the areas of climate, energy, the economy, and culture.
Naber also stated that it is essential to speak with once voice in the EU, NATO, and the Baltic Sea region, so that we can be stronger and our views will be heard. Considering that our primary priorities and principles are similar, updating and further developing our current co-operation structures would help to ensure security for Estonia and Lithuania, as well the well-being of their people, Naber said in his speech during the ceremony.
DOMESTIC NEWS
Estonian Universities to Launch Master's Programmes in Cyber Defence
10 October - Next year, Estonia will probably become the world's first country where it is possible to study the detection, combating and prevention of cyber attacks under international specialists.
Professor Ahto Buldas from Tallinn Technical University, one of the individuals drawing up the syllabus, said that Estonia has high-level know-how on cyber security. At present it is only possible to study cyber defence in Estonian, but next year scholars of Tartu University and Tallinn University of Technology should join forces and open a master's programme in cyber defence in English.
In his application to the foreign-language development subsidies' program commission, Professor Tanel Tammet from Tallinn Unviersity of Technology said that specialists from the Defence Forces cyber defence centre, Estonian banks, telecommunication companies, the CERT cyber defence centre, and others would be involved in the programme. The team that it drawing up the syllabus hopes that the possible involvement of specialists from the NATO Centre for Excellence in Cyber Defence would put a special stamp on the program.
The Education and Research Ministry has earmarked 32 million kroons (2 million EUR) for the development of seven foreign language master's programmes. Four million kroons will be required for the Tallinn University of Technology and Tartu University master's programmes in cyber defence.
The hope is that the programmes will help the state attract foreign students into the country, because even if they leave the country after completing the course they will become good envoys of Estonia in their own country.
DEFENCE NEWS
Estonia Able to Use NATO Transport Aircraft
9 October - Under the NATO Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC) programme that was formally inaugurated on the sidelines of the NATO defence ministers meeting in Budapest, Estonia will be able to use C-17 Globemaster planes procured jointly with 11 other nations.
Estonia is participating in the project with 45 flight hours per year.
Estonian Defence Minister Jaak Aaviksoo said the SAC programme allows participating nations to pool their resources to jointly fill shortcomings in important capacities.
"We must be able to successfully use the valuable experiences that we have gained and the lessons that we have learned in the launch of the SAC to jointly deal with other deficiencies in NATO capabilities," Aaviksoo said.
By joining the programme, Estonia acquires remarkable freedom and secures itself against contingencies if the need should arise to quickly transport personnel or equipment to, or evacuate from, an operation area, he said.
Forty-five flight hours corresponds to six flights to Kabul or back, and participation in the SAC also allows Estonia to transport large cargoes to and from Afghanistan and Iraq by non-stop flight.
The 10 NATO members that joined the deal are Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, and the United States. The programme was joined also by non-NATO nations Finland and Sweden.
Under the agreement, reached after two years of negotiations, the nations will jointly acquire three giant Boeing C-17 Globemaster III aircraft and place them at a new operating base in Hungary early next year under the command of a US officer. The first of the aircraft is to be delivered at the end of this year and the last in 2011. The program will run until 2035. The C-17 is the workhorse of the US Air Force. Britain and Canada have separately acquired a total of 10 of the planes.
Estonia is set to spend 676 million kroons (43.2 million EUR) to take part in the NATO joint procurement. The costs will be incurred by Estonia over a period of 26 years and will also cover the country's share in the operation of the aircraft.
The flight hours are tradable between the partners and can be sold to third countries or organisations such as the Red Cross. They can also be swapped for flight hours with a smaller aircraft.
In addition to its financial participation, Estonia will fill two positions of warrant officers with the program.
President Ilves Visited "Siil 2008" Reserve Exercise
13 October - President Toomas Hendrik Ilves visited the largest exercise for reservists since the restoration of independence called "Siil 2008". The infantry battalion exercise, which has been planned since the beginning of the year, is designed to practice and test the main components related to the military readiness of the defence forces and to the execution of a mobilisation of defence forces.
Lieutenant General Ants Laaneots, head of the Defence Forces, and Army Chief of Staff Colonel Urmas Roosimägi gave the head of state an overview of the general concept of the exercise. President Ilves visited the location of the battalion formation in Audru.
I am very pleased that such an exercise has been organised. Constant and systematic follow-up training is essential in a national defence system based on compulsory military service, President Ilves said.
He recognised the reservists that answered the call for the exercise and arrived to serve on time. The president also thanked the head of the Defence Forces and the Western Defence District for organising the first estimable reserve exercise in the last decade.
Aaviksoo: International Participation Important to BALTDEFCOL
14 October - Minister of Defence Jaak Aaviksoo opened a two-day conference in Tartu for the countries that contribute to the Baltic Defence College. The participants primarily discussed the future of the college. In all, policy devisers, staff specialists, and defence attachés from 18 nations that contribute to the Baltic Defence College participated in the conference.
In his opening address, Minister Aaviksoo thanked all the countries that have supported and helped the BALTDEFCOL in the process of becoming a contemporary educational institution. Since 2004, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have been in total control of funding of the college; however, international participation, involving both lecturers and students, is still the strategic goal of the Baltic states in the BALTDEFCOL, Aaviksoo said.
According to the minister, Estonia and the other Baltic states are ready to take active measures to maintain and increase international participation in the Baltic Defence College. Students and lecturers from foreign countries intensify defence-related co-operation both between the Baltic states and our NATO and European Union allies, which, in turn, will contribute to closer relations both within the alliance and our partners, he added.
Senior staff officers and officials from the Baltic states and many other countries are trained at the Baltic Defence College, which was established in 1998. In total, the representatives of 21 different states have studied at the college. The Baltic Defence College is one among the limited number of defence colleges on the European mainland where the officers of non-NATO countries can obtain the education of staff officers in English and where the standards match those of NATO.
ECONOMIC NEWS
Currency Rates in Kroons
(Bank of Estonia)
Estonia Raises Deposit Guarantee Ceiling to 50,000 EUR
9 October - The Estonian government ruled today to raise the ceiling of the 100 percent deposit guarantee and compensation from 20,000 to 50,000 euros.
The guarantee applies as of to all deposits at credit institutions previously secured under the Guarantee Fund Act, the government said.
The government also requested that the Ministry of Finance draw up appropriate amendments to the Guarantee Fund Act and submit them within the course of handling a bill of amendments to the law on funded pensions and related legal acts.
The purpose of the decision is to ensure equal treatment of depositors in EU member states and give additional security to depositors in Estonia.
Turnover of Viru Centre up 3 Pct in January-September
14 October - The turnover of stores in the Central Tallinn Viru Keskus shopping centre totalled 1.56 billion kroons (99.7 million EUR) in January-September 2008, 3 percent more on year.
In the period from January to September, the centre drew more than eight million people, and the number of purchases also crossed the eight million line during the period.
Ants Vasar, board member of Viru Keskus, said the 13-percent growth was satisfactory in the present situation.
"Considerable fall can be seen in the analysis of the August and September figures. Considering that continued fall is expected in the economy, I find that at the end of the year we can be satisfied with a result that remains at last year's level," Vasar said.
In 2007, the turnover of purchases from Viru Center stores was 2.12 billion kroons.
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