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Estonian Review: 28 November - 4 December, 2007
07.12.2007
ESTONIAN EMBASSY IN VIRTUAL WORLD
FOREIGN NEWS
DEFENCE NEWS
ECONOMIC NEWS
ESTONIAN EMBASSY IN VIRTUAL WORLD
Estonia Opens Embassy in Virtual World Second Life
Dec 4 - Estonia opened an embassy in the internet-based virtual world Second Life.
According to Foreign Minister Urmas Paet, more and more communication takes place on the internet, and Estonia must keep up with the trend. Second Life's popularity as an alternative environment for interaction has grown rapidly, which is why we decided to establish an embassy there, Paet added.
Art exhibits, concerts, lectures and other events will be organised in the embassy. The first lecture, entitled Back to the future, will be given in January by Estonian Ambassador to Great Britain Margus Laidre.
According to Secretary General of the Foreign Ministry Matti Maasikas, several other countries are planning to open virtual embassies in Second Life, which means that the prominence of Second Life is growing in diplomatic circles. We expect people interested in Estonia, as well as people interested in foreign relations and foreign policy, to participate in events at the embassy, said Maasikas.
The virtual embassy has a conference room, exhibition room, reception hall and a technology room, where Estonia as an e-nation is introduced. Visitors to the Estonian embassy will hear current news read by an Estonian hound.
In honour of the 90th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, the embassy will display the exhibit Blue-black-white in Estonian art. There will also be other materials dedicated to the anniversary on display.
FOREIGN NEWS
Foreign Minister Encourages OSCE Members to Join Convention on Cybercrime
Nov 29 - Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet participated in the 15th Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Ministerial Council in Madrid on Thursday, 29 November.
OSCE reform, election observation missions, and the situation in Kosovo were on the agenda.
Foreign Minister Paet emphasized the importance of the Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). According to the minister, attempts to weaken the ODIHR also reduce the OSCE's effectiveness, and the organisation must withstand such challenges. He also acknowledged the work of the Representative on Freedom of the Media in standing for free and independent media.
The Estonian Foreign Minister also encouraged all OSCE members to join the Council of Europe's Convention on Cybercrime, which is open to nations that are not members of the Council of Europe as well. Estonia has valuable experience in the fight against cybercrime, and we are prepared to share our expertise, Paet confirmed.
The ministers also discussed how the OSCE mission in Kosovo plays an essential role in that region, and the organisation should continue its activities there. The OSCE mission in Kosovo must continue, regardless of what solution is found for the future of Kosovo, said Paet.
There are 56 nations in the OSCE, which currently has 19 missions in Southern and Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and in Central Asia. The OSCE presidency is held by Spain this year, and next year the presidency will belong to Finland.
Prime Minister Andrus Ansip Met with Vice-President of the United States Dick Cheney
Nov 28 - At their meeting in Washington, Prime Minister Andrus Ansip and the United States Vice President Dick Cheney stated that the relations between the two countries are very good.
Cheney confirmed that Estonia and the United States of America are great cooperation partners and that Estonia may count on the continued support of the USA.
The main topic of the meeting was the international missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, where Estonia is participating together with the USA. According to Cheney, Estonian contribution is highly appreciated. In his words, Estonia is active in complicated areas and performs a significant role.
The support from the United States has been of great importance in restoring our independence, and we appreciate it. The people of Estonia value the freedom of their state highly and know that freedom cannot be taken for granted. Now it is our moral obligation to help others, said Ansip. The Prime Minister stated Estonia's wish to continue participating in international missions as long as our help is needed. Both agreed that the Afghanistan mission is a long-term commitment made by the allies, and its success is of great importance to all of NATO.
Prime Minister Ansip also had meetings with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Paul Schneider.
The Prime Minister also visited the Victims of Communism Memorial, which was erected in commemoration of the more than 100 million victims of communism.
Foreign Minister Met with His Armenian Counterpart
Dec 3 - Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet met with his Armenian colleague Vartan Oskanian in Tallinn.
Bilateral relations, the situation in the Caucasus and Armenian relations with the EU were discussed. Paet and Oskanian also signed an agreement by which Estonia supports Armenia's rapprochement to the European Union and NATO.
Foreign Minister Paet said Estonia was ready to abolish the visa requirement for owners of Armenian diplomatic passports. He pointed out that as a member of the European Union, Estonia has no authority to abolish visas for all Armenian citizens, but underlined that Estonia is in favour of opening visa facilitation talks between the EU and Armenia.
Vartan Oskanian said the Armenian government was planning visa waiver talks with many countries and expressed the hope that the decision on granting abolition of visas to Estonian citizens would come soon.
Paet said that Estonia was interested in signing agreements on the protection of investments and the readmission of people with Armenia.
Estonia, Finland, Russia Agree on Cooperation to Limit Airspace Violations
Nov 28 - Estonia, Finland and Russia have agreed on cooperation to prevent violation of Estonian and Finnish airspace by Russian military aircraft.
The three countries are going to look for ways to improve the exchange of information on flight plans and communication during flights.
Air force experts from the three countries met in Helsinki and discussed incursions of Russian planes into Estonian and Finnish airspace.
Russia's ambassador to Helsinki proposed the talks after a Russian aircraft penetrated Finland's airspace earlier this fall.
Estonia was represented in the talks by Air Force chief Col. Valeri Saar and the commander of the air surveillance division, Maj. Mart Vendla.
Saar said Russia is unhappy about such incidents and pledged to do its best to come up with a technical solution. A possible way would be for Russia to allow its pilots to get in touch with Estonia's civilian air traffic controllers.
Estonian authorities are going to consider their position and harmonize their reply with Finland, Saar said. The parties agreed to another round of talks at the end of January or early in February.
President Ilves Visited the United States Aircraft Carrier USS Enterprise
Dec 3 - President Toomas Hendrik Ilves flew to the United States aircraft carrier, the USS Enterprise, which is currently in the Mediterranean.
The Estonian Head of State, who landed on the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, visited the command center of the USS Enterprise. He was introduced to its various defensive and offensive weapons systems and shown the daily life of the almost 5,000-member crew.
As a NATO member state, it is self-evident that we should know as much as possible about our allies, their possibilities and capabilities, said President Ilves.
The Estonian Head of State added that the USS Enterprise, which has participated in many US and NATO operations since the Cuban missile crisis, is currently operating in a very important region for the alliance and in the vicinity of an operational area that is a top security priority.
USS Enterprise is the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier launched in 1960. It plays a central role in the Carrier Strike Group 12 battle group that comprises eight warships.
Estonian Ambassador to Australia Presents Credentials
Nov 30 - Estonian Ambassador to the Commonwealth of Australia Peeter Miller presented his credentials to Governor-General of Australia Michael Jeffery. Peeter Miller is the first ambassador to Australia from the Republic of Estonia. The ambassador resides in Tokyo.
In the discussions following the credential presenting ceremony, the state of bilateral relations, common operations in Afghanistan, and Estonia's achievements before and after joining the European Union were discussed. Also, the well-being of the Estonian community in Australia was discussed.
Estonian Ambassador to Kazakhstan Presents Credentials
Dec 4 - Estonian Ambassador to Kazakhstan Marina Kaljurand presented her credentials to State Secretary of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kanat Saudabajev.
Marina Kaljurand is the first Estonian ambassador to Kazakhstan. She resides in Moscow.
In the discussion following the credential presenting ceremony, Ambassador Kaljurand passed along greetings from Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves and congratulated Kazakhstan on its impending presidency of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 2010. Kaljurand expressed hope that interactions between the two nations will become more extensive in all areas, which will be facilitated by the opening of an honorary consulate in Almaty next year.
President Ilves Received the Credentials of the Ambassador of Colombia
Nov 29 - President Toomas Hendrik Ilves received Jorge Alberto Barrantes Ulloa, the Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia, who presented his credentials to the Head of State.
Estonia is interested in closer relations with Colombia, who was among the first to recognize the Republic of Estonia after the restoration of independence, said President Ilves.
I am pleased that cooperation between our countries in international organizations has continually increased, said the Estonian Head of State. Estonia has always seriously considered, and when possible supported, Colombia's candidacies in international organizations.
President Ilves affirmed the continued support of Estonia as a European Union member state for the efforts of the Colombian government to curb the narcotics trade, resolve internal armed conflict, and carry out the demobilization, disarmament, and reintegration of the rebels. Estonia recognizes that the observation of human rights and governmental dialogue with the civil society are essential during this process.
British Ambassador Presented Credentials to Estonian President
Nov 29 - President Toomas Hendrik Ilves received Peter Carter, the British Ambassador, who presented his credentials to the Estonian Head of State.
Great Britain is one of Estonia's most important strategic partners, with whom we share similar views regarding both foreign policy and security issues, said President Ilves.
He recalled that an Estonian infantry company is serving in southern Afghanistan under British military command, saying that the Estonians and British are good brothers-in-arms, who together are helping to make one of the world's unstable corners safer.
The Estonian Head of State and British Ambassador affirmed that in the European Union their countries share similar views in many fields, and both Tallinn and London hope that cooperation will continue in issues related to enlargement, neighbourhood policy, energy, and innovation.
President Ilves added that if Estonia and Great Britain were to look for something in their mutual relations that needs to be changed, it would be definitely to increase economic relations.
The Ambassador of Egypt Presented His Credentials to the President of Estonia
Nov 29 - President Toomas Hendrik Ilves received Maasoum Marzouk, the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt, who presented his credentials to the Head of State.
Both Estonia and Egypt are located at the intersection of various cultures and religions, said President Ilves. Estonia has been regarded as a bridge between the cultures and economic systems of the West and East, while Egypt is the link between Europe, Asia, and Africa, and its ancient history has intertwined various cultures.
The President of the Republic recalled that Egypt is one of the Estonians' favourite vacation spots for both its climate and culture.
I am pleased to see that regular political consultations have started between the foreign ministries of Estonia and Egypt, President Ilves declared, recalling that the first Estonian diplomat, whose mission is located in the Swedish Embassy building, is now also working in Egypt.
President Ilves and Ambassador Marzouk also spoke about the situation in the Middle East.
Estonia considers the stability and normal development of this region to be important, and as a member of the European Union and NATO, we participate in finding solutions to the region's problems, as well as participating in civil and military operations, said the Estonian Head of State. Egypt is one of the European Union's most trustworthy and effective partners in the region, and as a member of the European Union, Estonia considers this very important, President Ilves added.
Police Chief Studies Work of Belgian Force
Nov 28 - The director general of the Estonian police, Raivo Aeg, studied the work of Belgian law enforcers in Antwerp and Brussels.
In Aeg's words, the visit showed that both sides can learn from one another. "An exchange of opinions and experiences is always beneficial, be it operational command of the police or securing public order during unrest that's on the agenda," he said. He noted that an e-police system which has been in use in Estonia for years is still under development in the Belgian force.
Aeg familiarized himself with the organization of police work in Antwerp, a city with a population of 400,000 or roughly the same size as Tallinn, examined the equipment at the disposal of Belgian police and visited the command center.
The riot squad of Belgium's federal police explained its work principles and tactics to the police director, and the personal protection service demonstrated its equipment.
DEFENCE NEWS
Parliament Extends Missions in Afghanistan, Bosnia
Dec 4 - The Estonian parliament on Tuesday extended the Estonian defence forces missions in Afghanistan and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
According to the decision participation of up to 150 Estonian soldiers in the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) will be extended from December 9 until next December 31.
Defence Minister Jaak Aaviksoo has said before the parliament that despite the complicated situation due to both recent and more distant history, the activity of the international community under the United Nations' mandate served interests of the people of Afghanistan and of the international community.
"As we know, Afghanistan's weak state apparatus was unable to oppose forces that turned the country into a hotbed of drug trafficking and international terrorism after the international community had forgotten Afghanistan and left it to its own resource," he said, expressing the conviction that as a result the mission had not just a legitimate but also a morally justified basis.
Aaviksoo expressed the hope that the NATO-led mission would achieve success in safeguarding international security and that the international public would find better coordinated mechanisms in order to consistently increase civilian assistance in addition to military and security contributions. "We also hope that the Republic of Estonia will have the possibility of increasing its civilian contribution in Afghanistan," he said.
Estonian units have operated in Afghanistan since March 2003.
By another decision the parliament extended participation of the Estonian defence forces in the European Union's military mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Estonian units have taken part in the peacekeeping missions in Bosnia and Herzegovina since 1996.
ECONOMIC NEWS
Currency Rates in Kroons
(Bank of Estonia)
OECD Begins Accession Talks with Estonia
Dec 3 - Head Secretary of the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Angel Gurria presented ambassador Margus Rava, representative of Estonia, with a document containing the principles of accession negotiations.
The document had been approved by the OECD Ministerial Council. Similar documents were received by the other nations invited to begin accession talks with the OECD, namely Israel, Slovenia, Chile, and the Russian Federation.
According to Foreign Minister Urmas Paet, the issuing of this document means that negotiations with the OECD have officially begun. This document is our road map, which provides a framework for negotiations, the foreign minister said. He added that during accession negotiations, Estonia's readiness to fulfil the conditions and principles contained in the road map will be evaluated.
The road map lays out the basic values necessary for being a member of the organisation, which are present in all the OECD's activities and standards. These values are honouring democracy and human rights, implementing a market economy based on openness and transparency, and sustainable development.
In more detail, the document discusses investments, combating bribery, finance, the chemical industry, the environment, standards of business leadership, the financial market, pensions and insurance, competitiveness, scientific and technological policy, as well as information, computer and communication policy, consumer policy, economic development, statistics, employment rate and social issues, foreign trade, and public management.
The Estonian delegation at the accession negotiations will be led by the Foreign Ministry's Deputy Secretary General Mart Laanemäe.
Government Endorses Renewed Convergence Program
Nov 29 - The Estonian government on Thursday endorsed Estonia's renewed convergence program that reflects the government's policy in meeting the Maastricht convergence criteria and transition to the euro.
The program is based on the current economic and budgetary situation and the recently completed Finance Ministry fall forecast.
"The convergence program is an important document which shows that the Estonian financial policy is realistic and looks into the future, and is in agreement with the stability and growth pact," said Finance Minister Ivari Padar.
According to the Finance Ministry, the present developments mean that the expected soft adaptation of the economy is taking place and the earlier imbalances and risks are retreating.
The Finance Ministry expects lowering of real economic growth to 5.2 percent in 2008, mainly due to the falling pace of growth of private consumption and investments.
The ministry's forecast of nominal economic growth is 14 percent in 2008, as a result of which no negative effect on the tax base is to be foreseen. The Finance Ministry expects the surplus of the government sector budget for 2008 to still be 1.3 percent of the gross domestic product.
According to the ministry growth in the consumer price index will climb to 8.5 percent next year and will then slow down to 5.5 percent in 2009.
Retail Sales up 9 Percent on Year in October
Nov 30 - The retail sale of retail trade outlets totalled 4.7 billion kroons in Estonia in October, 9 percent more in stable prices than in the same period last year, the Statistical Office said.
Manufacturing goods stores still showed the fastest growth, by 13 percent, but compared with the previous months the growth rate declined further.
Also grocery stores growth was slightly slower in October than in the previous months. Sales in those stores grew by six percent on year. Due to their large share these stores accounted for nearly half of the growth of all the retail trade enterprises.
Industrial Production up by 6 Percent on Year
Nov 30 - The output of industrial enterprises in Estonia increased by six percent against last year; in the manufacturing industry the growth was by 4 percent, the Statistical Office said.
According to seasonally adjusted data Estonian industrial enterprises produced one percent more output than in September.
Generation of electrical energy increased by 28 percent against the same period last year, and generation of thermal energy increased by 14 percent. The growth in the production of energy was mainly due to export of electricity via the Estlink sea cable.
Government to Give EUR 32 Million to Promote Estonia as Tourist Destination
Nov 29 - Minister of Economic Affairs Juhan Parts signed a program by which the state will allocate nearly 500 million kroons (EUR 32 mln) for the promotion of Estonia as a tourist destination.
Of the half a billion kroons the state will channel 45 million kroons into the development of an electronic tourist information system, the ministry said.
Parts said the budget of Estonia as a tourist destination program would nearly double in the years 2007-2013.
"Building up the good reputation of Estonia as a tourist destination and raising awareness of it throughout the world will increase demand in Estonian products and services, not just in tourism products," the minister said.
With the money allocated for the program Estonia will modernize the state tourist information portal www.visitestonia.com and create a uniform tourist information collection standard and a real-time administration environment functioning on a common basis.
Estonian Air to Launch Flights to Munich, Rome in Spring
Nov 29 - Estonian Air gave the announcement on Thursday that Munich and Rome would be added as new destinations to its flight schedule in spring 2008.
The company said the new destinations would be opened due to increased demand for new connections.
Estonian Air's flights to Munich will be launched as of March 30 and to Rome as of April 4. The carrier will be making three weekly flights to Munich and two to Rome.
The ticket prices to Munich will start from 995 kroons (EUR 64) and to Rome from 1,095 kroons one way.
Estonian Air aircraft fly to 19 destinations from Tallinn and from Kuressaare to Stockholm.
Extraordinary Revenue Swells Realtor Arco Vara's Profit by 380 Percent
Nov 29 - The net profit of the Estonian real estate company Arco Vara during the first nine months this year was 264.1 million kroons (EUR 16.9 mln), 380 percent higher than in the same period last year.
Upward adjustments of real estate investments, financial proceeds from the sale of parts of Sportings Riga SIA and financial proceeds from AVEC Asset Managment AS accounted for the main share of the group's profit.
Turnover of the company during January-September increased by 76.8 percent on year to 686.7 million kroons, Arco Vara Thursday informed the stock exchange.
Of the sales proceeds the development division yielded 493.5 million kroons, the construction division 293.7 million kroons and the service division 96.4 million kroons. 196.9 million kroons of the turnover was eliminated.
Estonia's Saku Brewery Sees Profit up Slightly in Q3
Nov 28 - The Estonian beverages maker AS Saku Õlletehas (Saku Brewery) posted 63.2 million kroons (EUR 4 mln) net profit in Q3 this year, 0.6 percent up from the same period in 2006.
Q3 operating proceeds of the company grew by 5 percent to 258.5 million kroons, the company said.
Overall in the nine months from January to September the growth in revenue was 21 percent to 722.7 million kroons. In the same period the profit figure contracted by 6 percent to 9.14 million kroons.
The brewery underlined its January-September operating profit figures, which grew by 23 percent against the same period last year and totalled 147.7 million kroons.
"This continues to be the best operating result among Estonian beverages companies, despite the aggravating economic environment in Q2 and above all in Q3," the company said.
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