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Estonian Review: October 17-23, 2005 
27.10.2005
TOP NEWS
FOREIGN NEWS
ECONOMIC NEWS
TOP NEWS
The Government approved development plan for 2006-2009 for Estonia's foreign representation
Oct 20 - The government approved its development co-operation plan for 2006-2009. The plan foresees the establishment of new embassies in Bulgaria, Georgia, India and Egypt and also additional diplomats to fill in diplomatic posts at Estonia's existing embassies.
"The protection of Estonia's interests in international relations and the successful implementation of Estonian Foreign and Security policy presumes an orderly development path," said Foreign Minister Paet.
The plan to establish Estonian embassy in Bulgaria is scheduled for 2007. The Estonian embassy in Bulgaria will also have the responsibility of representing Estonian in Romania and Macedonia. In 2006 the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall send a Charge d'Affaires to Sofia, who will begin preparations for the establishment of the consulate.
At the same time the plan for 2006 is to open an Estonian embassy in Georgia. Taking into full consideration EU neighbourhood policy the stressed establishments and priorities and the establishment of at least one needed foreign representation in the countries of the Southern Caucuses, to increase bilateral relations and from a foreign strategic perspective establishing representation in Thbilisi is in every way justified. In 2006 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will send a Charge d'Affaires there too, who will start preparing for the establishment of an embassy.
The farthest-reaching plan is to establish an Estonian embassy in Cairo, Egypt in 2008, providing the opportunity for better coverage in the Middle-East and North-Africa.
According to plans for 2008, it is also scheduled to open an Estonian embassy in New Delhi, India.
Over the next several years the foreign ministry has plans to appoint non-resident Ambassadors currently working out of Tallinn to South-East Asian and also South-American Countries like Singapore and Malaysia as well as to Brazil and Argentina.
It is also planned to increase the number of officials serving at several Estonian embassies. It is planned to send extra diplomats to Estonian representation in the UN, Council of Europe, NATO, Canada, Belarus, Great Britain and China.
According to the status in 2005, Estonia has 37 foreign representations, including embassies, permanent representations to the international organizations and consular establishments. 23 embassies are in the EU and NATO member countries, four embassies are in other countries and six permanent representations are by international organizations. Four representations are consular establishments. The last time the number of foreign representations grew was in 2001.
EU Foreign Minister's hold a special meeting in Luxemburg
Oct 18 - EU Foreign Ministers held a special meeting in Luxemburg to discuss several recent developments. The latest reports of cases of the Bird Flu in Eastern Europe and Turkey have caused heightened concern. Meanwhile, the upcoming WTO trade talks were also a topic of discussion, as well as the extension of disaster relief to Pakistan and Central America.
The foreign ministers discussed activities related to control and prevention of Bird Flu.
In conclusion, the minister's recognized the need for effective precautionary measures and the need to have continuous controls. They expressed their satisfaction in the action plans that the commission had put together.
Ambassador Väino Reinart said that Estonia has a national action plan to help eliminate the threat of Bird Flu and to guide the proper preventative measures. Currently underway is the establishment of a national flu centre. Plans have also been made for acquiring the flu vaccine in the case of a pandemic, and an information exchange system is fully operational. According to Reinart, Estonia will offer as much support as possible in the effort to liquidate current outbreaks and to stop the further spread of the virus.
Another topic of discussion was the upcoming WTO talks to be held in Hong Kong in December.
Trade Chief to the European Commission Peter Mandelson and Agricultural Chief Mariann Fischer Boel helped to clarify the status of the Doha round of talks to European foreign ministers and stressed that the Commission has worked at its full capacity over the last several days and has achieved considerable progress.
According to Commissioner Vaino Reinart, the Commission has held successful talks within the framework of its mandate. "The Commission's work is in Estonia's best interest, being clearly aimed at reducing trade barriers, temporary problems have been solved and the talks have begun to progress. The Commission has Estonia's full support in these talks," said Reinart.
Also under discussion was the European Union's current and ongoing support to quake hit Pakistan and to Central America, which bore the brunt of a tropical storm.
Estonia has sent a rescue team to the catastrophe area with an open-air hospital and the necessary medicine for administering first-aid. The Estonian experts also work in the UN international co-ordination team. The UNDAC (United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination Team) is stationed in the city of Battgrami and the Estonian field hospital is the only one currently on location there.
Estonian Government approves defence league mission to Bosnia
Oct 20 - The Estonian government gave its consent to sending units of the paramilitary Kaitseliit (Defence League) to Bosnia and Herzegovina on a two-year mission. In December Estonia plans to join the European Union-led peace enforcement operation Althea and deploy up to 35 troops in Bosnia. If the parliament passes a corresponding bill, this will be Estonia's first major military contribution to the EU operation.
The bill provides funds of 6.3 million kroons (EUR 0.4 mln) for mission-related expenses this year and 22.6 million kroons in 2006.
Plans are to send EstGuard-1 to Bosnia in December. The unit will be serving in the ranks of an Austrian company, guarding the Tuzla airfield and the camp of mission units, Camp Eagle, based there.
For the first time the Estonian contingent will be made up of members of Kaitseliit. The 29-strong EstGuard-1 under the command of Lt. Margus Võsu from the Kaitseliit general staff has already started pre-mission training.
As the Bosnia mission has been entrusted to Kaitseliit initially for a period of two years, the voluntary organization has to provide four platoons all of which have by now been put together.
At present Althea is the EU's only, and thus also the largest operation with approximately 7,000 military and civilians from 33 countries participating in it.
Estonia's defence forces have been participating in missions to Bosnia and Herzegovina since 1995. Currently four soldiers serve in that country. Kaitseliit's role in foreign missions will increase in the near future. NATO expects its member states to ensure that 40 percent of their defence forces are ready for redeployment and 8 percent, for participation in missions abroad.
At present Estonia is not yet able to meet these requirements, said Minister of Defence Jürgen Ligi.
FOREIGN NEWS
The Foreign Ministry approved development co-operation programme to train Azerbaijani, Georgian officials and to increase awareness among Estonian public
Oct 21 - In October the Ministry of Foreign Affairs decided to support the development co-operation project geared towards helping Azerbaijan and Georgia and also to raise awareness among the Estonian public. Together 701,352 kroons have been set aside for the project. Foreign Minister Urmas Paet signed the decision, which sets aside the funding from the budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs foreseen to be spent on development and humanitarian aid.
The objective of the first project is to support Azerbaijan's aspiration to become a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and to introduce Estonia's experience in preparing for accession talks with the WTO. This week within the framework of the project, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has scheduled a 3-day training programme for 10 Azerbaijani government officials and members of the delegation to be involved in the negotiations. Azerbaijani Vice Foreign Minister turned to the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Spring 2005 to set the plans in place for the training.
The other project was completed in co-operation with the Finnish Ministry of the Interior and with the UN mission in Georgia. Its objective is to support the development of a democratic police organization in Georgia. To do this there will be a 6-week training programme administered to instructors from the academy of Georgia's Ministry of the interior. There is also a training programme for police officials from the area of conflict on the Georgian-Abkhazian border zone at the Police College of the Public Service Academy of Estonia. In the course of this training they will be introduced to the modern basis for contemporary police work, implementing the latest methods in the organization of work and training.
The project named "Development co-operation information pilot project: Nicaragua and Costa Rica," aimed at informing the Estonian public will be produced by the television and film production company OÜ Vesilind and the Finnish citizens' organization KEPA and the Estonian development co-operation round-table. During the course of the project they will gather and record visual and informative materials, from which they will prepare 3-4 7 minute television shows and write articles for the Estonian media, Eesti Päevaleht, Roheline Värav, Estraveller, Terveilm and others. In Nicaragua and Costa Rica the organization for Finnish development co-operation has carried through a project to familiarize its activity. This is a good opportunity to clarify the existence of development co-operation and to encourage Estonians to take part in similar projects or even to initiate their own projects.
Estonian Ambassador to Finland presents his credentials
Oct 21 - Estonian Ambassador to Finland Priit Kolbre presented his credentials to president Tarja Halonen. Following this the president and ambassador discussed the ongoing development of Estonian-Finnish relations, to which a new dimension has been added, both being members of the European Union. In the conversation they re-called previous co-operation between the two nations in Europe's foreign policy, in which the Finnish President Tarja Halonen, then Finland's Foreign Minister played an important role in Estonia's entry into EU accession talks.
Ambassador Kolbre wished President Tarja Halonen, success in the upcoming presidential elections.
Priit Kolbre was born 17 February 1956 in Tallinn. In 1979 he graduated from Tallinn Technical University as an economics engineer. In 1990 he graduated from the Estonian School of Diplomacy. He has worked at the Ministry since 1990, starting out as Director of the Department of International Economics Policy. From 1994-1998 he was Undersecretary of the ministry of foreign affairs in the area of International Economics Policy and from 1998-2002, Estonia's Ambassador to the European Union. Beginning in 2002 until he was named Ambassador to Finland in 2005, Priit Kolbre has worked as the ministry's Secretary General. Priit Kolbre is married and the father of two children.
The Foreign ministry has plans to expand its network of honorary consulates
Oct 20 - In October the government approved a new development plan to expand the network of honorary consulates. It gives an overview of the current network and its future perspectives.
"We consider the strategic development of Estonia's honorary consulates as extremely important," said Foreign Minister Paet. It is necessary to intensify our efforts to find potential candidates in countries, which to date have not been covered. It is certainly important to follow the development trends in tourism in upcoming years and also to follow other trends related to economic relations. "Based on such indicators Estonia can develop its network of honorary consulates accordingly," added Paet.
In the near future there are plans to open new honorary consulates in Moldova, Ukraine, Australia, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Pakistan, Brazil. Estonia also needs to establish more honorary consulates in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Meanwhile it is also necessary to expand the network in Eastern Europe.
At the moment Estonia has 93 honorary consulates in 49 countries. The honorary consulates conduct their work independently, performing their duties according to directives handed down by the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, involving an adherence to legal acts of the Republic of Estonia and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. Thanks to the honorary consulates, Estonian citizens have easier access to consular help and services all over the world also notable is the role of the honorary consulates in the promotion of fields related to politics-, economics-, culture-, education- among other things.
Estonian honorary consulate opened in Monaco
Oct 17 - On Friday 14 October, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Matti Maasikas and Estonian ambassador to France Andres Talvik opened the Estonian honorary consulate in the Kingdom of Monaco. Count Mauro Serra is the Estonian honorary consul in Monaco.
Count Mauro Serra was born in 1956 in Italy. He is an architect and interior designer by profession. His primary areas of interest include organizing large events and trade; Additionally he is involved with promoting tourism and goodwill in Italy's Piedmont region. In 1993 together with Prince Albert II, Duke Mauro Serra founded the charity programme Star Team for Children, to which many of today's top athletes, actors and singers contribute.
Monaco's prince Albert II also took part in the dinner following the opening ceremony. Raivo Taffenau's ensemble performed at the event, as well as Estonian singer Maarja-Liis Ilus. The fashion designers, Ivo Nikkolo, Arne Niidu, and Tiina Talumees-Pärni exhibited their designs in a fashion show. The event was concluded with a lottery, from which the proceeds will go to support the children's protection organization in Monaco, known as, "Amade Monoco". The main prizes at the lottery were a painting by Epp-Maria Kokamägi and a sculpture by Tauno Kangro.
The Estonian Honorary Consulate in Monaco is located at 1 Rue des Lilas, Monte Carlo, MC 98000. It can be reached by telephone at: (+377) 93 50 08 58, by fax at: (+377) 93 50 08 67 and e-mail: mauroserra@exel-monaco.com. Additional information can be found at the following site: http://www.exel-monaco.com.
Estonian honorary consulate opened in Wales
Oct 21 - Under Secretary General of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Marina Kaljurand and Estonian Ambassador to Great Britain, Kaja Tael opened the Estonian honorary consulate in Wales. Sir Roger Jones is the Estonian Honorary Consul in Wales.
Sir Roger Jones was born in 1943. He has completed Wales University with a degree in Pharmacy and Bradford University in the field of Economics. Sir Johnson is an outspoken promoter of societal well being who is not only a recognized figure in Wales, but all over Great Britain. He has worked in Wales's Newport University and at Glamorgan University as Director and was chosen as Honorary Doctor. Sir Roger Jones has successfully taken part in various activities and has been the chairman of the broadcasting council for Wales. Beginning in 2002 he has served as head of the Welsh Development Agency.
Partakers in the event included, British MP from Wales, Lembit Öpik, representatives from the Wales Chamber of Commerce and Industries and various Welsh cultural figures. Gary Davis, a representative of the government of Wales, greeted the partakers of the opening ceremony. In the name of Prime Minister Rodri Morgan, he acknowledged Estonia on making a very good decision in its choice of Wales.
The honorary consulate in Wales is located at Battle House, Powys LD3 9RW. It can be reached at: (+44) 1874 611777, or by fax at: (+44) 1874 611779 and by e-mail at: rogerjones.battle@btinternet.com.
Estonian honorary consulate opened in Mexico
Oct 17 - Estonian ambassador to Mexico Jüri Luik opened the Estonian honrary consulate in the United States of Mexico in Mexico City. The Estonian honorary consul residing in Mexico is Claude Le Brun.
Claude Le Brun was born in Belgium in 1942 and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in the field of economics. Beginning in 1988 he has worked as the head of the French academy in Mexico City. Prior to that Claude Le Brun was the head of several commercial enterprises.
The Mexican honorary consulate is located at Alerces 81, Bosques de las Lomas, Mexico 11700 DF. The phone number is: +52 (55) 52808080; fax: + 52 (55) 52804582; and e-mail is claude@lfm.edu.mx.
Estonia's ranking in international corruption index improves
Oct 18 - Estonia's ranking in Transparency International's corruption perception index has improved in comparison with previous years; The survey covering 159 countries of the world ranked Estonia 27th, with a score of 6.4 points. The maximum score of 10 points can be given to a country that is totally free of corruption; a score of zero indicates a country that is totally corrupt. This year's score is the best since 1998 when Estonia was first included in the survey.
In 2004 Estonia scored 6.0 points, placing it 31st on the list. "Foreign observers have probably rated Estonia positively for constantly placing attention on the prevention of corruption," co-chairman of the association Corruption-Free Estonia Tarmu Tammerk said. "Conducting official business has been simplified in several spheres, which reduces the risk of corruption."
According to Tammerk, widening the powers of state auditors can be named as a positive sign. For a long time "The association Corruption-Free Estonia sought the right to control local governments for the State Audit Office," he said.
Estonia's ranking in the index was based on data supplied by 11 independent sources. Organizations representing Transparency International locally, such as Corruption-Free Estonia, do not take part in compiling the data.
Newborn girl in Pakistan named "Estonia"
Oct 19 - Besides treating the injured, medics of an Estonian rescue team working in quake-hit Pakistan have also helped to deliver babies. Her parents named a newborn baby girl who Estonian medics helped to deliver "Estonia".
Meanwhile the chief of the rescue team, Tauno Suurkivi, said the number of victims of the catastrophe is huge and the need for medical aid is growing steadily.
On Sunday medics received almost 1,500 patients and in 200 cases some surgical procedures were needed. This week an ambulance was placed at the disposal of the Estonian field hospital. Patient numbers stayed big in subsequent days, too, and in addition Estonian rescuers drove to a nearby village to clear rubble from collapsed buildings.
Last week the Estonian Rescue Board sent a team of six medics, eight rescuers-logisticians, a liaison officer and a logistics specialist to Pakistan. The head of the team, Suurkivi, is deputy chief of the rescue service from Western-Viru County.
The planned duration of the mission is 12 days. The director general of the Rescue Board, Mati Raidma, went to the crisis area along with the team to start work on the UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team. The Estonian government has allocated more than 1.5 million kroons (EUR 96,000) to cover the costs of the mission. Estonia sent some 50,000 kroons' worth of medicines to Pakistan procured for the Foreign Ministry's budgetary humanitarian relief funds.
ECONOMIC NEWS
CPI up 4.3 percent in Q3
Oct 20 - The Q3 consumer price index in Estonia increased by 1.4 percent against Q2 in Estonia and by 4.3 percent year on year, the Statistical Office reported. The prices of goods were 1.7 percent higher in Q3 than had been three months earlier, of these groceries were 0.3 percent higher and manufactured goods were 3.0 percent higher than before.
The prices of services rose by 0.8 percent quarter on the quarter.
In Q3 the consumer price index was affected the most by a rise in the price of motor fuel and the seasonal fall in the prices of vegetables, the Statistical Office reported.
Currency Rates in Kroons
October 23, 2005
British pound - GBP - 23.094
Canadian dollar - CAD - 11.055
Swiss franc - CHF - 10.118
Danish krone - DKK - 2.097
Japanese yen - JPY - 0.113
Latvian lat - LVL - 22.477
Lithuanian lit - LTL - 4.532
Norwegian krone - NOK - 2.007
Russian rouble - RUB - 0.455
Swedish krona - SEK - 1.650
US dollar - USD - 12.989
Euro - EUR - 15.647
vmpress@vm.ee
 
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