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Estonian Review: April 12-18, 2006 
20.04.2006
FOREIGN NEWS
DOMESTIC NEWS
DEFENCE NEWS
ECONOMIC NEWS
MISC
NEW! April 18 - Foreign Ministry's Information Sheet about Citizenship
FOREIGN NEWS
Belarusian Students Expelled from Universities Can Continue Studies in Estonia
Apr 13 - Belarusian students expelled from universities for political reasons will get the opportunity to continue their studies in Estonia.
Estonian government decided in principle to give up to ten students expelled from Belarusian universities an opportunity to continue their studies in Estonia and to cover their tuition and accommodation costs. Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that one possibility to support the Belarusian civil society is to give democratically disposed young people who have fallen victims to reprisals the opportunity to continue their studies in Estonia and other European countries. He said civil associations had turned to the government with proposals to find opportunities for such support. "In the initiators' opinion creating opportunities for young people to study is particularly important so that the young generation would acquire the experience of democracy in a free society," Paet said. It is possible to study on the basis of both English and Russian curricula at Estonian state and private universities to get bachelor's, master's or doctor's degree. Of specialities computer science, physics, natural science, construction, teacher training, business and administration, humanitarian studies, technology and production, environmental protection, transport services, journalism and law are represented. At the meeting of EU foreign ministers Estonia supported the proposal to set up a fund to support democracy and human rights in Belarus and other East-European countries. Foreign Minister Paet said that one of the aims of the fund could be to support financing the studies of students expelled from Belarusian universities for political reasons and emphasized that Estonia was ready to contribute to the fund.
Statement of Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Apr 18 - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia condemns the terrorist act in Tel Aviv on April 17 and offers condolences to the victims and their families as well as to the people of Israel. There is no justification for violence. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia urges the Palestinian Government to fully commit to all principles requested by the international community, including the renunciation of violence, in order to proceed towards a peaceful settlement of the conflict and prevent recurrence of acts of violence. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia expresses hope that Israel will exercise appropriate restraint while responding to such provocations.
GOV Coalition Wants to Have EU Constitutional Treaty Ratified in May
Apr 17 - The council of Estonia's ruling three-party coalition stated that the EU constitutional treaty should have its second and final reading in May. The first reading of the treaty was at the beginning of February.
Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that by ratifying the treaty Estonia would show its wish to move in the direction of a stronger, more efficient and more democratic European Union. "By ratifying the treaty Estonia would say that we must step up our joint activity in the areas concerning the increasing of security and well-being of European Union citizens," the minister said. "We would show that we are ready to think beyond day-to-day political matters and face the challenges that stand before the EU," he said.
MEP Ilves Sees Threat in Emergence of Core Europe
Apr 15 - Vice chairman of the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, Social Democrat Toomas Hendrik Ilves drew attention to the threat of emergence of a "core Europe" within the European Union if the bloc's first Constitution remains stalled.
A core based on the common euro currency could much more easily achieve political consensus than the divided 25-member EU set to expand to 27 nations soon, Ilves said. "The core is perceived as an efficiently functioning Europe with a harmonized taxation and social policy. The skeptical Brits, refractory Danes, budget-conservative Swedes and new member states with their altogether different troubles would remain on the outside," Ilves said.
In his words, joining such a core would be unacceptable to Estonia if the country's present economic and socio-political course, for instance, parties' general reluctance to harmonize the taxation policy, remained unchanged. "If the 'United States of Europe' based on the euro zone started carrying out a submissive Russian policy and disregard the realistic Nordic and East European countries, a nightmare could loom up soon," Ilves said. He noted that at least as long as German Chancellor Angela Merkel is set on salvaging the Constitutional Treaty the EU is not threatened by the emergence of so-called United States of Europe. "Merkel has already put forward the idea of a 'basic treaty for Europe' which might dispel fears that the concept of the constitution goes too far. But it is unreasonable to hope the inner paralysis of the EU will be tolerated long and nothing will be done. The first political summit of the euro zone countries has already been called for next spring. The hope that countries which are not part of the euro zone could in some way veto the core's political discussions is deceptive," Ilves said.
Ilves sees under these circumstances two paths for Estonia to follow: either to speedily join the euro zone or show initiative regarding the Constitutional Treaty. "This calls for considerably larger public attention, media, state institutions and citizens alike. But like a grown-up's world does not consist of only black-and-white choices and pleasant things, so is the way with mature states. Such a mature, grown-up Estonia is what we actually wanted," the parliamentarian said.
Estonian PACE Rapporteur Renewed Criticism on Belarus
Apr 11 - Andres Herkel, rapporteur on Belarus of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, has renewed his criticism on Belarus, saying the presidential elections took place under strict administrative control with the rights of the opposition brutally curbed.
Herkel, Chairman of the Belarus subcommittee of the PACE political committee made another report on the situation in Belarus, in which he partly renewed his proposals for support to the democratic forces, civil society and students in Belarus. Herkel also emphasized a recommendation he would submit to the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers to seriously discuss the value split among member countries. "It is impossible for us to understand the positive opinion given to the Belarus elections by the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States," he said.
Herkel said that Russia was simultaneously a member country of the Council of Europe and such a spilt in understanding democracy was more than dangerous. "It has to be seriously discussed, not closing our eyes to it, as the committee of ministers has often earlier done," he said. In his words the draft of the report also appealed to all member countries of the Council of Europe to apply sanctions approved by the European Union with respect to Belarus authorities, while making concessions to ordinary citizens of Belarus.
He said the report also focused on shortcomings of the Belarus electoral code. "Although many critics, such as the European Union and the United States, have stressed the need to have new elections, we must admit that repeat election would have no sense unless the election code was changed and important civil liberties were granted," Herkel said.
Picket was Hold in Tallinn in Support of Democracy in Belarus
Apr 12 - Civil associations and parliamentary parties' youth organizations held a picket in support of the democratic forces in Belarus in Tallinn's Tammsaaare Park. According to Open Estonia Foundation the picket expressed solidarity with those Belarusians who want to see their country as free and democratic. All those who believe that the Belarusians living in the last dictatorship in Europe have the right to the freedom of expression and human rights were expected to take part in the picket.
Support to Belarus can also be expressed on the "For Free Belarus!" internet website at http://valgevene.city.ee
Estonian MP at PACE Called for Fight against Expressions of Neonazism
Apr 12 - Head of the Estonian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Marko Mihkelson expressed concern over the growing tendency of xenophobic murders and violent attacks in member countries of the European Union and called for intolerance against such acts.
During a discussion of the rebirth of Nazi ideology at the assembly Mihkelson said that the greatest danger lays in countries and societies where democracy and the civil society are weak. "Neonazism and xenophobia find more support in societies where democracy is under attack, where the civil society is weak and where the rulers are inclined towards authoritarian leadership," Mihkelson said, speaking on behalf of the European People's Party.
Mihkelson said expressions of xenophobia and neonazism should be the concern of all democratic parties in Europe as a whole and separately in nation states. He said it was particularly important not to tolerate situations where openly fascist organizations are permitted to act freely, sometimes even with the government's support.
Mihkelson added that equally with condemnation of Nazi crimes and ideology it was important to remember crimes of Communist regimes concerning which PACE passed a resolution in January. "It is possible to build a united and democratic Europe only then and based only on those values that rely on a strong and uniformly shared historical memory," he added.
Estonian Rescue Board Logistics Team Left for Pakistan
Apr 15 - Another logistics team of the Estonian Rescue Board left for Pakistan to relieve a unit that has been working in the town of Batagram since February.
The third relief team consists of Priit Paju from the Väike-Maarja Rescue College and Vadim Ivanov from the West Estonian rescue centre together with two Finnish specialists. The logistics will stay in Pakistan till June 4.
The team's task is to ensure logistic support for the post-earthquake international humanitarian relief operation conducted in a UN field camp in Batagram. The Estonians' main task is to ensure the functioning of the camp's infrastructure and smooth running of catering and everyday life at the camp.
DOMESTIC NEWS
Estonian Birth Rate Increases Remarkably
Apr 12 - According to Statistics Estonia, about 14,000 children were born in Estonia in 2004, i.e. about 1,000 children more than in the previous year.
"At the light of the declining fertility of the previous decade this is a big step onward," said Analyst of Statistics Estonia, Ülle Valgma. In 2004 fertility increased in all age groups. The number of births did not increase only because of the increase in the number of women in fertile age. The increase was partly caused by the women who postponed childbearing in 1990s. This is affirmed by growth of fertility rate among women aged over 25. Fertility rate increased also among the youngest women aged 15-19, whose fertility rate had been continuously decreasing since 1990. Mean age of mother at childbirth has increased continuously since mid-nineties. The proportion of employed mothers has increased in recent years also. According to Statistics Estonia such increase could be associated with the increase of the mean age of mother at childbirth because the employment rate increases with age. In 2004 the proportion of employed mothers was 66%. It could be partly caused by the effect of parental benefit that gave an opportunity to stay at home to women whose income was very important in the total income of family as source of living or as repayment of leasing, Statistics Estonia noted.
Former Chairman of Reform Party, Commission Vice President Siim Kallas Welcomed the Merger Plan of the Two Estonian Parties
Apr 17 - Vice President of the European Commission Siim Kallas regards the planned merger of Pro Patria Union and Res Publica as positive despite the strong competition that the Reform Party, of which he used to be chairman, stands to face from the new party
Kallas said that he welcomes the merger plan of the two parties because Estonia needs a single mainstream conservative party. "I admit that it's going to be a serious competitor for the Reform Party," he said. Kallas said that because there are too many political parties in Estonia most of the energy is spent on settling issues with one another. "Political parties should be strong enough to have the potential to offer solutions, not steps to prevent the solutions of other parties from materializing," Kallas observed, adding that in his personal view it would be right if there were three or four parties in Estonia. There will be a place for the Reform Party beside the new conservative party that is emerging from the unification of Pro Patria Union and Res Publica, Kallas added. "It is a matter of choice, but there are indeed certain conceptual differences between conservatives and liberals, which is quite evident especially now that conservatives all over Europe are searching for solutions to the issues that Europe is facing," he said. "It isn't sensible to gain full control over the entire political landscape."
Speaking about presidential elections, Kallas said that his sympathy belongs to Social Democrats' candidate Toomas Hendrik Ilves, who would be able to attract attention also internationally when president. "He would be an asset for Estonia particularly in international intercommunication," Kallas said.
Survey: Russian-Speaking Young People More Keen to be Socially Active than Estonians
Apr 17 - Russian-speaking young people in Estonia are more eager to be socially active than ethnic Estonians, a survey by Civic Education Study (CivEdEst) indicated.
"Russian-speaking young people are much more eager to have a say in local affairs," the survey says. In the course of the six years that have passed since the previous similar survey young Russian-speakers have moved away from positions favouring a socially-oriented state with a big degree of redistribution of wealth and their positions have become similar to those of ethnic Estonians, seeing rapid economic growth as a priority.
Offering greater social security to residents, which was by far the most important expectation from the state in 1999, is now being viewed as one of the least important things.
Russian-speaking young people's readiness to participate has risen significantly also in election-related behaviour, such as joining a political party and running for a local council seat, but also working as a volunteer and collecting money for joint actions.
In general, the percentage of young people interested in politics has grown from 31 percent to 38-45 percent.
The survey was carried out by interviewing 5,842 pupils. Arranged in 28 countries, the study was organized by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). In Estonia the study was conducted by researchers at Tallinn University and financed by the Ministry of Education and Science.
DEFENCE NEWS
Three Estonian Units Head to South Afghanistan
Apr 18 - Three Estonian units consisting of 23 defence forces personnel left for South Afghanistan. The units embarking the six-month mission are the military observation and security team MOT-2, the explosive ordnance disposal team EOD-9 and the support unit Estcon NSE. The EOD team consists of 13 members, the observation and security team of six members and the support team of four members.
The units of the Estonian defence forces will serve in Helmand province in southern Afghanistan as part of the Canada-led multinational brigade, being subordinated to a British battle group. Right now there are ten Estonian military serving in Afghanistan.
Additionally in the second half of June a 34-strong Estonian infantry platoon will head to South Afghanistan. A reconnaissance unit, support team and staff officers included, the Estonian contingent in Afghanistan will number 80 by midsummer. Estonia plans to raise the number of its troops in Afghanistan to 120 by the end of this year after a second infantry platoon, company command and members of the support unit start their mission simultaneously with the rotation of the infantry platoon.
In December 2005, the parliament extended Estonian troops' participation in the mission in Afghanistan by two years for up to 150 members of the defence forces.
President Attended the Ceremony of Taking over the Navy Ship Tasuja
Apr 17 - President Arnold Rüütel attended a ceremony held at Berth 17 of Tallinn Vanasadam where the Estonian Navy formally took over the Diver and Support Ship Tasuja from Danish colleagues.
In his speech delivered at the ceremony, he stressed the essential role the Navy has played in Estonian history and the need to acquire new vessels in order to maintain Estonian traditions and capabilities as a maritime state. "Estonian Navy has become a presentable and capable force and has also found recognition of our partners in NATO. Recently ENS Admiral Pitka served as the Command and Support Ship of Standing NATO Response Force Mine Countermeasure Group 1 and managed to successfully fulfil her tasks. The navy is indispensable for the preservation of territorial integrity of the state. I believe that our people can always rely on you," President Rüütel said.
President Rüütel also expressed gratitude to the Kingdom of Denmark for its assistance to the restoration and development of Estonian Navy and wished the crew of the Tasuja "seven feet under the keel".
ECONOMIC NEWS
Currency Rates in Kroons
(Bank of Estonia)
Use of EU funds to Become Clear in May
Apr 12 - Proposals concerning the use of EU structural funds in Estonia during the next budget period had to be submitted by April 12. Proposals regarding the operational programs can be handed in until the end of April. The operational programs describe the specific actions and major objects that are to be financed with EU money.
After the operational programs have been approved by the government talks on the programs will start with the European Commission, whose endorsement is necessary for the programs to take effect.
In accordance with the national strategy for the use of structural funds in 2007-2013, some 53.2 billion Kroons (EUR 3.4 billion) of EU funds will stand at Estonia's disposal over the seven-year period.
The government has endorsed in principle the division of the money between different spheres. Education is to get 11 billion Kroons, research and development 11.8 billion Kroons, transport and infrastructure 11 billion Kroons, environment 13.4 billion Kroons and regional development six billion Kroons.
Estonia's Elion Started Offering Digital TV to Broadband Users
Apr 17 - Elion, a company of the Eesti Telekom group made digital television available to users of its ADSL broadband service.
The service, called Digi-TV, is at first available in towns and in bigger locations because ADSL technology of a new generation is required to transmit high-quality television over the Internet.
To view digital television, a separate device is needed to make the signal arriving over the Internet suitable for television and manage the service.
MP Atonen Appointed to Control Committee of NIB
Apr 11 - The Estonian parliament appointed Reform Party MP Meelis Atonen, former minister of economy, as Estonia's representative to the Control Committee of the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB).
The appointment of Atonen is effective from June 1 this year to May 31, 2008.
Hilton to Recruit Further 50 People into Tallinn Call Centre
Apr 17 - The Tallinn call centre of the Hilton Hotel chain, to expand considerably in the near future, has launched a campaign to find 50 more employees.
The Tallinn call centre, the biggest Hilton chain call centre in Europe, will in June open an extension that will create fifty new jobs; by the end of the year the number of employees at the call centre should be higher than 300.
The Hilton Hotel chain booking centre opened doors four years ago; it had about twenty people at its Tallinn centre then. Work at the call centre is in 12 languages, with most of the calls coming from Europe, but some also from North America.
Number of Tourists Staying Overnight in Estonia up by 8 pct on Year
Apr 17 - A total of 117,000 tourists stayed overnight at Estonian accommodation establishments this February, 8 percent more than in the same period last year, Statistics Estonia said.
Foreign visitors preferred accommodation establishments of the capital, with more than two thirds of the foreign tourists staying at accommodation establishments in Tallinn.
Traditionally more than half the foreign tourists were from Finland, but the number of tourists from that country declined by 14 percent compared with February 2005.
There were a total of 544 accommodation establishments with 13,600 bedrooms and 28,600 beds open for visitors in February. The average cost of accommodation was 402 kroons (EUR 25.7) per night.
MISC
Endel Grensmann's Aerial Photos in Szolnok, Hungary
Apr 18 - Endel Grensmann's aerial photo show "Birds-Eye Estonia" opened in Szolnok County Library (Kossuth tér 2) in Hungary.
The exposition depicts Estonian cities and landscapes taken from a delta-plane, a remote-controlled balloon, small plane and even from a house roof.
In 2002 the Estonian Institute started an international tour of 'Birds-Eye Estonia' in Tallinn, sending it later to Sweden, Belgium, Austria, Scotland and to several places in Finland.
The exposition will stay open until May 13.
EESTI RINGVAADE is compiled from local news services, including BNS, and is issued by the Press and Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Eesti Ringvaade is also available through the Internet at http://www.vm.ee
To subscribe please contact: vmpress@vm.ee
 
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