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Estonian Review: February 20-26, 2006
02.03.2006
TOP NEWS
FOREIGN NEWS
DEFENCE NEWS
DOMESTIC NEWS
ECONOMIC NEWS
CULTURAL NEWS
TOP NEWS
Estonia Celebrates 88th Anniversary.
Feb 24 - Celebrations started at 7.34 with the hoisting of National Flag and singing of Anthem at the Parliament building. PM, members of government and parliament, and diplomats were present.
President Rüütel received the parade of Defence Forces, led by Vice Admiral Tarmo Kõuts. Over seven hundred men and women from all the Defence Forces, Defence League and the Border Guard were lined up on the Freedom Square. On the first time were demonstrated armoured vehicles Pasi, which will be used by Estonian unit in Southern Afghanistan. After the parade President Rüütel participated at the Service of Independence Day in Kaarli Church.
Later in the evening president Rüütel hold a speech on the situation in State. Before the festive reception of presidential couple Gala Concert was performed in the National Opera.
President Rüütel: Estonia Has Become an Undoubted Member of the Free World
Feb 24 - President Arnold Rüütel said in his Independence Day speech. "Our state is for our people. Every one should feel that it's great to be an Estonian.
To prevent the radiance of the achievements from fading, freedom and security should be secured constantly - both in its international and intra-Estonian dimension. More than 200 Estonian servicemen participate in foreign missions but the range of international cooperation is significantly broader. We are also responsible for clean air, the Baltic Sea and the entire environment.
Equally important are equal opportunities and freedom of choice, public welfare and safety. Economic growth, which in Estonia surpasses most of the European Union member states, creates prerequisites thereof. Today the purchasing power of average wages exceeds by half the purchasing power six years ago. Our environment has deserved investor confidence. Increasing social cohesion witnesses livelier partnership and a social dialogue.
FM Paet: Kosovo Issue Has to be Settled by All Parties
Feb 25 - Estonia's Foreign Minister Urmas Paet met during his visit to Kosovo with leaders of this country. FM Paet expressed his opinion, that the issue of Kosovo has to be solved with the involvement of all the parties. "This means development of a dialogue between both Pristina and Belgrad, as well, as between the various ethnic groups," Paet said when meeting with Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu. "We hope that the new president of Kosovo will be able to bring together all the parties to work closely with one another in the name of Kosovo's future, overcoming their differences," he said.
Sejdiu offered the Estonian minister an in-depth overview over the political situation in Kosovo and expectations as regards the negotiations held on the status of Kosovo in Vienna.
During Paet's meeting with Prime Minister Bajram Kosum Paet said a secure environment serves as the basis for economic development. "In order to carry out economic reforms and attract foreign investments, first and foremost a secure environment is needed," he said, adding that Estonia could share its reform experience. It was agreed at the meeting that cooperation will be started in the field of information technology.
In a meeting with the Speaker of the Kosovo Parliament Nexhat Dac, opportunities for cooperation between parliaments were discussed. The Speaker of the Parliament of Kosovo invited members of the Estonian parliament to visit Kosovo. Paet also met with the representative of Kosovo Serbs, Oliver Ivanovic.
FOREIGN NEWS
Estonian PM and EU Commissioner Discussed Employment Issues
Feb 23 - The visiting EU Commissioner for employment, social affairs and equal opportunities, Vladimir Spidla, and Prime Minister Andrus Ansip talked at their meeting on Feb 22, about employment and economic competitiveness issues. Ansip explained to the commissioner Estonia's position which views comprehensive application of internal market principles as a matter of high importance, this being one of the cornerstones for raising Europe's competitiveness. With this aim in view, Estonia wants to give speed processing of the services directive and lifting of restrictions on the free movement of labour. Ansip thanked the EU for Social Fund support that has enabled Estonia to reduce unemployment and arrange vocational and retraining of workers.
Spidla told to reporters that it is vital to lift the restrictions on the free movement of workers as otherwise an integrated Europe will not come into being.
According to a recent European Commission report, member countries that did not close their labour markets to workers from EU newcomer countries have benefited more than those that did, the commissioner observed.
"Europe needs mobility," Spidla said. Unemployment in Estonia has significantly decreased lately and employment increased at the same time, the prime minister observed. In his words, adoption of the services directive would further cut joblessness. "Everyone stands to win from the free movement of labour force," he said.
Abolishing Visa Requirements Will Increase the Interest Towards Macedonia
Feb 23 - During the official visit to Macedonia on February 23, FM Urmas Paet met his counterpart Ilinka Mitreva, PM Vlado Buckovski, Deputy PM Radmila Sekerinska, the Speaker of Parliament Ljupco Jordanovski and the President of Macedonia Branko Crvenkovski. Meetings were lead by the topics of bilateral relations and of Macedonias' way to EU and NATO. The whole situation in the region was under the discussion also. FM of Macedonia announced that her country has abolished visa requirements with Estonia. Estonian FM replied with the news that because of its touristic importance for Estonia, we abolished visa fees for single and transit visas for Macedonian citizen. The agreement of avoiding the double taxation was also discussed.
Estonia and Tajikistan Establish the Diplomatic Relations
Feb 23 - Estonian and Tajik ambassadors to Russia, Marina Kaljurand and Safar Safarov, signed in Moscow a joint declaration on the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. After the signing ceremony the diplomats expressed hope that this step will give a boost to bilateral economic and trade cooperation. Kaljurand presented her colleague a book of poems by the great classic of Tajik literature, Umar Hajjam, translated to Estonian.
Tajikistan recognized the independent Estonia on Nov. 25, 1991 and Estonia recognized the independence of Tajikistan on Feb. 20, 1992.
In April 2005 the Estonian government decided to establish the diplomatic relations with 25 Asian and African countries and in November, with another 16 countries, Tajikistan among them.
Estonian FM Paet Speaks with US Congressmen about Visa Waiver
Feb 22 - Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet discussed in a meeting with visiting US congressmen the question of visa-free travel between the two countries.
At Paet's meeting with the US delegation bilateral relations and matters pertaining to the protection of intellectual property were under discussion.
Paet raised also the question of visa-freedom: "Estonia wants that all European Union member countries receive equal treatment in this question," the minister said, adding that elimination of the US visa requirement has both emotional and practical aspects. "It would definitely be good for both EU-US business and cultural ties and so-to-say public diplomacy," he said.
The head of the delegation, Chairman of the House of Representatives Agriculture Committee Bob Goodlatte, said the United States encourages all Estonians to visit the States and also wants to make this as easy as possible. He observed, however, that for joining the US visa waiver program certain criteria have to be met. According to Goodlatte, Estonia meets practically all the requirements and the only remaining concern is the high rate of visa refusals, which needs some more work.
Paet and the congressmen agreed that Estonia and the United States have enjoyed good relations during all the time of Estonian independence. The congressmen thanked Estonia for its contribution to international missions in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo.
Besides Goodlatte, a Republican from Virginia, the delegation included also Democrats Collin Peterson and Mike McIntyre, and Republican Kenny Marchant.
Estonian Interior Minister Discussed Migration With EU Colleagues
Feb 21 - Estonia's Interior Minister Kalle Laanet discussed with justice and interior ministers of other European Union countries in Brussels the issues of movement of people across the union's external borders. The ministers adopted a regulation for the European Parliament andEuropean Council on the movement of people across the whole external border of the bloc.
The ministers are also endorsed formally a directive concerning retention of telecommunications traffic data. The council arrived at a common position on data preservation in December. Other subjects on the agenda of the meeting were dealing with the implementation of the Schengen information system SIS II and questions relating to the Schengen visa fees.
Estonian Police Must Meet Schengen Requirements by Autumn
Feb 20 - To join the Schengen visa space of the European Union Estonia needs to fulfil criterions, such as requirements of training of Estonian police, cooperation with the Latvian and Finnish police, preparations for setting up the Schengen information system SIS and data communications office SIRENE, and activities in the framework of the Schengen Facility support program. These goals have to be met by fall 2006 at the latest.
Training plays the crucial role, because by the beginning of September about 700 police officers must have had initial training under the Schengen rules.
President Received Credentials of the Ambassador of Brazil
Feb 21 - President Rüütel received Credentials of the Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Luiz Sergio Gama Figueira. According to the President Rüütel relations between Estonia and Brazil are good. He said: "Estonia's accession to the European Union and NATO has broadened the scope of our international ties and has enriched our relations with more distant countries, also. Intensive and diversified cooperation between the EU and Brazil certainly provides a good base also for deepening Estonian-Brazilian bilateral relations. Estonia is open to mutually interesting cooperation projects."
In the words of the Ambassador, the Brazilian Government and people give high evaluation to relationship with Estonia, and Estonia has been over the years not only a friend, but also a partner that has contributed to the economic development and social progress of Brazil.
President Rüütel Received Credentials of the Ambassador of Ukraine
Feb 21 - President Arnold Rüütel received Credentials of the Ambassador of Ukraine, Pavlo Kiriakov.
According to the President of the Republic, Ukraine is one of the priorities in Estonia's development cooperation. "In the event that our reform experience can be helpful and applicable, we are continuously ready to share our experience with Ukraine at the bilateral level, as well, as through multilateral programmes," President Rüütel said.
Ukraine is a significant trade and economic partner for Estonia, and Estonian goods and services enjoy a good reputation in Ukraine. "Estonian entrepreneurs show increasing interest towards investing in Ukraine. I believe that the continual economic consultation is a key to densification our contacts in economy, trade and also in tourism," president said.
According to the Ambassador, the Orange Revolution signified a truly new chapter of Ukraine's cooperation with the European and Atlantic structures. Ambassador Kiriakov expressed his gratitude to Estonia for the support to Ukraine's main goal - to become a member of the European Union and NATO in the near future.
Estonian Logistics Team in Pakistan to be Renewed
Feb 22 - Estonia's Rescue Board is replacing a team of logistics team currently serving on a disaster relief mission in the town of Batagram in Pakistan. The first members of the rescue team were set out for Pakistan on Feb 22, and the rest were head to the mission area on Feb. 27. The replacement team includes five members from Estonian Rescue Service and Alarm Centre. The first group of logisticians consisting of two men departed to Pakistan after earthquake in Northern Pakistan. They will be back in Estonia on March 3.
Serving alongside a Danish logistics team, the Estonians help run a field camp of UN humanitarian organizations in Batagram that serves as temporary base for 60 people. The Estonians' main task is to ensure the functioning of camp's electrical systems and other infrastructure.
The earthquake that hit northern Pakistan in October 2005 killed more than 73,000 people and forced about three million to spend the winter in conditions that are difficult and in some places life-threatening.
FM Paet Congratulated Servicemen in Kosovo on National Day
Feb 25 - Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet, currently on a visit in Kosovo, congratulated the Estonian military personnel serving there on the occasion of Estonia's Independence Day. Paet emphasized in his remarks at the Olaf Rye military base in Mitrovica that ensuring peace and stability in Kosovo is important for both Europe and Estonia. "We wish to contribute to building up a peaceful and stable Kosovo where the principles of democracy and law-based state would prevail and European values would be respected," Paet said. "Estonia's active participation in international operations increases foreign political trust in our state.
Paet met with the chief of the UN administration in Kosovo, Soren Jessen-Petersen, and with deputy commander of the multinational forces Maj. Gen. Philippe Sommaire. Jessen-Petersen said Estonia had a lot to offer to Kosovo: "I hope that the experience gained by you in the course of accession to the European Union and NATO can be used here in one way or another."
Riga and Vilnius Support Tallinn's' Initiative on Europe's Green Capital
Feb 21 - Jüri Ratas, mayor of Tallinn, paid a visit to his colleagues in Vilnius and Riga. Mayors of the Lithuanian and Latvian capitals Arturas Zuokas and Aivars Aksenoks support the idea of Jüri Ratas to establish the title of Europe's green capital. It is related to the effort of Tallinn to become the Capital of Culture in the year of 2011. Mayor Zuokas supports opinion, that the Capital of a country should become Capital of Culture. Vilnius is backing our efforts, said Ratas.
Riga is ready to lobby European Union institutions and other capital cities to back Tallinn's initiative, said Aksenoks at the meeting with Ratas on Feb 21. Both mayors accepted the invitation to take part in the events marking the Day of Tallinn on May 15.
Issues discussed were related to co - operation of three Baltic capitals in the area of economics, and city police. "I think it is very important that my first visit abroad is to capitals of other Baltic countries," Ratas said. "Our development is similar and therefore we have to share experience with each other."
DEFENCE NEWS
Estonia's Border Service Opens Maritime Surveillance System
Feb 20 - Estonia's integrated maritime surveillance system opened at the Tallinn maritime surveillance centre. President Arnold Rüütel,
Interior Minister Kalle Laanet, German Ambassador Julius Bobinger, Director General of the Swedish Coast Guard Christina Salomonson, a representative of the producer of the radar system and leaders of the defence forces attended the opening of the system and the new surveillance centre.
The system is covering the whole Estonian territorial sea and coastal areas. It combines 20 maritime surveillance radars. Creation of the system has been supported with nine million croons (EUR 57,000) from funds of the Schengen Facility program and a further 3.7 million croons has been earmarked to complete the project.
The maritime radar system will make the Estonian sea areas better guarded and protected, it will also increase safety of shipping and fishery in the Gulf of Finland and in the Baltic Sea, it would also reduce the risk of potential maritime pollution.
The Government decided the building of the radar system in March 1999 and after a public procurement tender signed a 411 million croons contract for its acquisition with EADS Deutschland GmbH.
A contract for the building of the 20 radar positions of the maritime surveillance system, worth 99.6 million croons, was signed with Empower EEE in December 2001.
Estonian Defence Commander Says Spirit of War of Independence Lives On
Feb 24 - Speaking at the Independence Day military parade in Tallinn on Friday, commander of the Estonian Defence Forces Vice Adm. Tarmo Kõuts said he was confident that the will to defend our country is alive in Estonia. "Eighty percent of Estonian men say that they are ready, if necessary, to defend their country and their freedom with a weapon in hand," the nation's chief military commander said.
"The spirit of the War of Independence lives on in the defence forces personnel, Kaitseliit (Defence League) members and border guards who are standing here on Freedom Square for the Independence Day parade," he said.
Kõuts said the Estonian Defence Forces have learned the lesson that in modern world no one can rely only on one's own power. "We have paid for our lessons with blood," Kõuts said. "Losses in Iraq are the price that the Defence Forces have had to pay for combat experience," he said, remembering the two Estonian servicemen killed in Iraq. "Estonian soldiers are known and valued as composed and thorough professionals."
DOMESTIC NEWS
Estonian PM Stresses Nation's Faith in the Future in his Independence Day speech
Feb 24 - In his speech on the eve of the 88th anniversary of the promulgation of the Republic of Estonia, Prime Minister Andrus Ansip emphasized the faith of the nation in a bright future. "During the 15 years, since regaining of independence, Estonia is coming over the gap, caused by occupation, which kept Estonia apart from the European economic and cultural space. One has to remember all the generations of past, for they have preserved us the idea of independence," the prime minister said. "It is my firm conviction that the people of Estonia have been working already for years to attain two almost unattainable goals - to ensure the continuous existence of Estonians, as a nation, on this land, and to become a rich European nation."
ECONOMIC NEWS
Estonia's Tallink Signs a Stockholm Traffic Contract With Port of Riga
Feb 22 - The Estonian shipping line Tallink signed a contract with the Latvian Riga Port authorizing Tallink to launch traffic on the Riga-Stockholm route. Tallink held long negotiations with the port, port fees being the main issue.
Tallink confirmed this afternoon also signing of the cooperation agreement. Tallink said it would start regular crossings on the Riga-Stockholm route in April with its passenger ship "Fantaasia" sailing under the Estonian flag. "We are very glad that the contract was finally signed. It will give us an opportunity of widening our business and contributing to the development of Latvia's growing tourism sector," said Enn Pant, chairman of the board of the Tallink Group.
Currency Rates in Kroons
February 26, 2006
British pound - GBP - 22.929
Canadian dollar - CAD - 11.399
Swiss franc - CHF - 10.025
Danish krone - DKK - 2.095
Japanese yen - JPY - 0.111
Latvian lat - LVL - 22.470
Lithuanian lit - LTL - 4.531
Norwegian krone - NOK - 1.943
Russian rouble - RUB - 0.464
Swedish krona - SEK - 1.662
US dollar - USD - 13.101
Euro - EUR - 15.646
CULTURAL NEWS
Estonian Art Exhibition Opens at UN Headquarters
Feb 23 - An exhibition of paintings and photographs by Estonian artists titled "Handscapes" opened at the UN headquarters in New York. The display that is to run till mid-March marks the 60th anniversary of the world organization and 15th anniversary of Estonian membership. The underlying idea of the show is joint efforts in the name of achieving the millennium development goals.
The artists, Ülle Marks, Jüri Kass, Alice Kask and Jury Ojaver, represent different generations and use different techniques, but they all depict one and the same - human hands.
FM Urmas Paet said: "It is most welcome that such high-level undertakings to present Estonian culture abroad materialize. The exhibition in the UN building gives Estonian artists an excellent opportunity of showing their work in a very respectable environment to international audience."
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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