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Estonian Review: April 25-May 1, 2005
04.05.2005
TOP NEWS
FOREIGN NEWS
DEFENCE NEWS
DOMESTIC NEWS
ECONOMIC NEWS
SPORTS NEWS
TOP NEWS
Paet: The success of co-operation between the EU and Russia is directly dependent upon the four common spaces package
On Monday, 25 April, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet participated in the European Union Foreign Ministers Council in Luxembourg.
The External Relations Council session mainly concentrated on the EU-Russian Summit Meeting on 10 May, where an agreement is expected on the four common spaces package (common economic space; common space of freedom, security and justice; a space of co-operation in the field of external security; space of research and education including cultural aspects).
The Foreign Minister underlined that Estonia has always emphasised the need for co-operation between the European Union and Russia, but the success is directly dependent upon the four common spaces package. One of Estonia's goals is, in co-operation with other Member States, the building and strengthening of strategic relations between the European Union and Russia without forgetting about the common values. In developing co-operation, one needs a concrete and clear plan, and these four spaces as a uniform package serve as a good basis for the further development of relations," Paet acknowledged.
The EU's foreign policy leaders discussed open questions from the four spaces. In the second space (common space of freedom, security and justice), the parties differ in opinions as regards to the linking of the readmission agreement between the EU and Russia to the facilitating of the visa procedure. Also, border agreements between Estonia and Russia, as well as Latvia and Russia have not been signed. According to Foreign Minister Urmas Paet, the readmission agreement is a pre-requisite to any agreement on the facilitation of the visa procedure. "It is very important that Russia readmit illegal immigrants having come from there, no matter, which country's citizens they are. Here we cannot compromise, we cannot alter the meaning of the agreement. The absence of an agreement is better than a bad agreement, because in the case of a bad agreement we cannot foresee the potential consequences," Paet underlined.
At the external relations session the Luxembourg Presidency gave an overview of the implementation of the action plan for alleviating the consequences of the Asian tsunami disaster and of assistance allocated to the Ministers. According to Urmas Paet, Estonia has allocated a total of 5.42 million kroons for assistance to the victims in addition to 3.9 million kroons of private donations. Estonia sent a supplementary rescue team to support the logistics activities of UN humanitarian aid organisations to Indonesia. I am happy that the Estonian people have been so compassionate and helpful in supporting the victims," the Foreign Minister said.
According to Foreign Minister Urmas Paet, concerning the financial perspective the Presidency has made a number of substantial modifications, but unfortunately they do not take into consideration all of the proposals of the Member States. Paet stated that for instance the new version of the negotiating box does not reflect the discussion on the structural aid ceiling calculations. In the solution proposed by the Commission, an average annual GDP growth of 4.1% has been taken as a basis for the calculation, which would result in a decrease in support from structural funds for Estonia, as well as other small Member States with rapid economic growth beginning from 2007. Each Member State should be entitled to support proportional to its gross domestic product. A fair methodology must be found for calculating and granting the aid. A growth rate of 6.75% can be realistically expected for Estonia," the Foreign Minister said.
The development of Baltic -Nordic co-operation has to be effected without excessive institutionalising
On Thursday, 28 April, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet participated in the 5th Joint Meeting of the Nordic Council and Baltic Assembly in Pärnu and made a speech there. At the meeting the prospects of Baltic-Nordic co-operation were under discussion.
In his speech Foreign Minister Paet noted that as the Presidency of the Baltic Council of Ministers Estonia is convinced that the development of continuous co-operation between the Governments of the Baltic and Nordic countries is necessary and as a Presidency Estonia is going to do everything possible for its fluent work.
Touching upon the future and goals of the Baltic-Nordic co-operation in more detail the Foreign Minister emphasised that one can speak about the so-called NB8 only if there exists real interest of all eight countries for joint co-operation. "Excessively institutionalised permanent structures are clumsy and ill-adaptable taking into account the dynamism of today's world; flexible and networked organisations are on the contrary considerably more successful," Paet said. He added that excessive formalisation would not take into consideration the divergence of interest between the Nordic countries, as well as different prevailing tendencies between Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
"The goals might be the promoting and deepening of co-operation in certain areas - in which all the eight countries are convinced of the need for co-operation and of the existence of common interests" the Foreign Minister said.
In his speech delivered the Foreign Minister acknowledged that in several areas our common interest is obvious. "First and foremost it concerns the maintenance of security and stability in the region, as well as globally," he considered adding that ensuing from that we certainly have to continue joint efforts in the sphere of responsibility of the Defence and Foreign Ministers for the enhancement of security in general terms, as well as to support transatlantic co-operation.
Beside co-operation in the field of security and defence the Foreign Minister considered as important areas in which co-operation should certainly be further deepened among others also environmental protection and sustainable development, education, as well as research policy, the development of economy, information technology and transport and energy.
Estonian governmental authorities have on their part showed concrete interest towards continuous and deepened co-operation among others in the areas of environmental protection of the Baltic Sea, nautical matters, maritime rescue, aviation, highway transport, education, youth work and work with children, food safety, border protection, migration and regional administration.
Number of tourists to Estonia up by third in first year of EU membership
Apr 28 - The number of tourists spending at least one night in Estonia grew by 30 percent in the first year following Estonia's entry into the European Union, which the authorities attribute to increased exposure in European media and simpler border-crossing rules.
Global cheapening of air fares, the launch of new air routes and the coming of budget airlines onto the Estonian market has brought with itself a significant increase in the number of air travelers, it appears from the survey by the Ministry of Economy and Communications about Estonia's first year in the EU. The number of tourists spending a night here went up already before Estonia's actual membership. The growth rates last year before and after the actual accession date of May 1 were similar.
Yet remarkable changes occurred in the case of some countries. After accession the number of guests to accommodation establishments increased substantially from countries such as Spain, Portugal, Italy, France and Britain, but also from Latvia and Lithuania. Travel by Estonian nationals to other countries grew significantly too last year. The Ministry of Economy and Communications said the main reasons for this were people's increased incomes, improvements in the labor market situation and a greater feeling of security. Also, travel has become cheaper and more available and new travel opportunities have emerged.
FOREIGN NEWS
Estonian Foreign Minister hopes for pragmatic relations with Russia - interview
Apr 25 - The new Estonian foreign minister, Urmas Paet, has said in an interview to the Estonian daily Postimees, he hopes that Estonia's relations with Russia will become increasingly more normal and pragmatic.
"I think that they will improve and it will be understood more and more that past belongs to the past and that in our relations we should focus more on the future," Paet said. Paet added Russia's interests as regards Estonia were first and foremost of economic nature. He said that overall, the interests of the various countries were acquiring more and more an economic character.
Paet called for stepped-up communication with each other on all levels, on the state's level as well as on the level of individuals. "The more one communicates, the greater is the probability that negative stereotypes will disappear and one can more calmly think and move on toward the future," he said.
Estonia issues protest to Russia over air space violation
Apr 27 - Estonia has issued a protest to Russia over violation of its air space by a Russian military aircraft on April 23.
A representative from the Russian Embassy was summoned to the Estonian Foreign Ministry where he was expressed strong protest over yet another violation of Estonia's air space.
A Russian military Antonov An-26 violated the Estonian air space near Vaindloo Island in the Gulf of Finland on April 23.
This was the fourth time that Russian aircraft have violated Estonia's air space since November last year, and the first such incident in 2005.
Estonian MP slams media freedom situation in Russia
Apr 29 - Marko Mihkelson, head of the Estonian delegation at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, said the central authorities of Russia obstructed the work of journalists in areas of crisis.
Mihkelson, rapporteur of the PACE political committee, said speaking at the assembly that several member countries of the Council of Europe obstructed journalists' access and work in areas of conflict. In particular this applies to the activity of the central authorities of Russia in issues pertaining to Chechnya, the Estonian parliament's press service reported.
In the past decade 399 reporters have been killed in the world and only 15 percent of those cases have received court settlements, Mihkelson pointed out.
"Of member countries of the Council of Europe the situation is the worst in Russia, the most dangerous world country for journalists after Iraq and Algeria," he said.
Fourteen journalists have been killed in Russia in the past five years and none of these cases has ever come to court. "The freedom of speech is an inseparable part of a democratic law-governed state. Therefore it is the obligation of member countries of the Council of Europe to ensure every possibility for the work of journalists in areas of conflict in their territory as well as on foreign missions with member countries' participation," Mihkelson added.
Pope Benedict XVI blesses Estonia
Apr 25 - Estonian President Arnold Rüütel, who attended the inauguration of Pope Benedict XVI in the Vatican, congratulated the new pontiff on his taking the mantle of office.
The Pope thanked the Estonian president and blessed Estonia and the people of Estonia.
Estonian President sends condolences to Japan on train accident deaths
Apr 27 - In his letter to Emperor Akihito of Japan, Estonian President Arnold Rüütel expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the April 25 train accident near Osaka.
"Please convey my personal sympathies and the condolences of the entire Estonian nation to the injured and the families of the victims," the Estonian leader said.
Slovak ambassador presents credentials in Estonia
Apr 26 - The new ambassador of the Slovak Republic to Estonia, Ivan Spilda, presented his credentials to Estonian President Arnold Rüütel.
The ambassador highlighted the possibilities of co-operation between the Estonian and Slovak parliaments and governments, but also between entrepreneurs, non-governmental organizations, educational and cultural institutions. "Such cooperation between our two countries, although neither of us is big by territory or population, helps the people of Estonia and Slovakia to enjoy the wellbeing and security within the framework of the EU and NATO," the ambassador said.
The Slovak ambassador resides in Riga.
DEFENCE NEWS
Estonia to increase number of mission personnel in Afghanistan
Apr 25 - Estonia will this year boost its presence in the NATO operation in Afghanistan up to the limit authorized by the parliament.
Estonia will start working closely with a British-led provincial reconstruction team in Afghanistan.
Estonia's initial contribution to the reconstruction team will consist of seven or eight personnel, who are due to go on a mission in the second half of this year. The British-led team, which includes personnel from several countries, is active in the area of Mazari-e-Sharif in northern Afghanistan close to the border with Uzbekistan.
Under the parliamentary mandate, the size of Estonian mission units in Afghanistan is limited to 25 personnel. The mandate is valid until Sept. 17 next year.
The Defense Ministry intends to submit a bill extending the mandate of the mission to the parliament this fall. There are currently 18 Estonian defense forces personnel serving in Afghanistan, including two staff officers, one specialist officer, one NCO and a 14-strong explosive ordnance disposal team. Estonia has increased its presence in Afghanistan by seven men this year.
Estonian defence forces to despatch four trucks to Iraq
Apr 29 - The Estonian Defence forces will this summer despatch to Iraq four Unimog trucks for use by the next Estonian contingent in that country, the Estpla-11 light infantry platoon.
The defence forces would send to Iraq off-road vehicles because due to a change in its U.S. partner unit the Estonian platoon would no longer be able to use the armoured personnel carriers it is now using.
The vehicles the Estonian defence forces are now using will be adapted to the situation in Iraq; submachine gun platforms and armoured plates were additionally installed on them. MG-3 light machine guns will be mounted on the Unimogs.
The Estonian parliament extended the Estonian soldiers' mission in Iraq until December 31, reserving the opportunity of revising the deadline, if the United Nations extends the coalition forces' mandate.
DOMESTIC NEWS
Government: Estonia commemorates all those killed in World War II
Apr 27 - On May 8, on the 60th anniversary of the end of the battles of World War II in Europe, Estonia will remember all those who were killed in the war, Prime Minister Andrus Ansip said.
"The Republic of Estonia is not fighting with those who have fallen and honours the memory of all those who fell in that war at fate's behest. The arms have fallen silent, let us forgive in our hearts too," Ansip said.
The commemoration ceremony will be held at a memorial ground at Maarjamäe, Tallinn, to participants in the defensive battles of 1944. Maarjamäe is a symbolic place where soldiers of both sides, including Estonian soldiers, have been buried. In this way Maarjamäe symbolizes the tragic fate of the Estonian soldier in World War II.
The prime minister will on the morning of May 8 lay a wreath on the government's behalf at the Holocaust memorial in Klooga and attend a Mothers' Day church service where also the victims of World War II will be remembered. After the ceremony at Maarjamäe he will hold a reception for the diplomatic corps to commemorate the end of World War II in
Europe.
The day of commemoration is part of the May 1-9 events of the Europe Week that marks the first anniversary of Estonia's membership in the European Union.
By a resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly on Nov. 22 last year, May 8-9, 2005 have been declared days of commemoration and reconciliation on which UN member nations are called to commemorate all victims of World War II in an appropriate way.
Europe Week to begin in Estonia on May 1
Apr 30 - Europe Week celebrating three important anniversaries will begin in Estonia on May 1.
May 1 marks the first anniversary of the country's accession to the European Union by which Estonia achieved one of its most important foreign policy aims, the Foreign Ministry reported.
May 9, Europe Day, is important for the whole of Europe. On that day in 1950 French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman made his famous speech to journalists mapping out European integration, a road that would ensure peace and prosperity to post-war Europe. Schuman's proposals laid the basis to the European Union that has now grown to embrace 25 members and therefore May 9 is celebrated every year as the European Union's birthday.
To connect these two days, several events will take place in Estonia during the Europe Week. There will be a large number of popular events all over Estonia organized by institutions of the country and the voluntary citizens' organization, the Estonian European Movement.
A program of Europe Week events is available on the Estonian Foreign Ministry web site www.vm.ee.
Estonia: Res Publica to elect chairman in early June
Apr 26 - The Res Publica party that was replaced by the Centre in Estonia's government coalition is expected to elect a new chairman at a congress in early June, provided that the expanded board endorses the date next month.
Taavi Veskimägi, vice chairman of Res Publica and former minister of finance, has said he is prepared to run for the post of party chairman. Veskimagi said that the other names mentioned in the course of discussions among the party's policymakers include incumbent chairman and ex-Prime Minister Juhan Parts, chairman of Res Publica's parliamentary faction Marko Pomerants and MPs Mihhail Lotman and Marko Mihkelson.
Estonian Pensioners' Party to merge with Centre Party
Apr 29 - The Estonian Pensioners' Party at an extraordianary meeting decided to merge with the Centre Party.
The merger decision was unanimous, and members of the Pensioners' Party will each confirm their change of party by personal written application.
The Pensioners' Party has 1,300 and the Centre Party 8,150 members.
ECONOMIC NEWS
EU exemption allows Estlink sea cable project to go ahead
Apr 28 - The European Commission exempted the Estlink project for an underwater power cable between Estonia and Finland from certain provisions of the electricity directive whereby the construction of the cable will be financed by the companies using the cable for trading in electricity rather than consumers of the region.
Obtaining the exemption was a key precondition for partners in Nordic Energy Link, the company set up to build and later operate the cable, to go ahead with the project. Sandor Liive, CFO of Eesti Energia (Estonian Energy) said the exemption granted by the European Commission means that cable-related expenses will be paid by companies involved in the project and not Estonian consumers.
An international tender for building the Estlink cable was won by the Swiss-Swedish concern ABB with whom a contract will be signed.
The total cost of the Estlink project including the laying of the cable and connecting of substations is almost 110 million euros. The cable is supposed to be completed by the end of 2006.
Bank of Estonia ups 2005 economic growth forecast
Apr 28 - The Bank of Estonia has raised
its economic growth forecast for this year to 5.7 percent, up by 0.1 percent compared with the forecast made last fall.
The central bank expects economic growth to accelerate to 6.2 percent next year. The earlier forecast was 6.0 percent. In 2007 gross domestic product is forecast to grow 6.1 percent.
Estonia's Elion to launch digital TV service
Apr 27 - The telecommunications company Elion of the Eesti Telekom group is set to launch a digital television service, DigiTV, that offers a better quality in comparison with analog television.
The investment in the technology came to four million kroons (EUR 255,600), Elion CEO Valdur Laid said.
According to Laid, Elion's aim is to provide by 2010 digital television to half Estonian households.
Margus Kurm, director for products and services, said the advantages of digital television over analog television are a better quality image and sound, as well as absence of reception disturbance and noise. The service is going to cost 75 kroons a month.Elion's DigiTV main station is the first of its kind in Europe, the company said.
Currency Rates in Kroons
April 29, 2005
British pound - GBP - 23.080
Canadian dollar - CAD - 9.663
Swiss franc - CHF - 10.173
Danish krone - DKK - 2.101
Japanese yen - JPY - 0.115
Latvian lat - LVL - 22.476
Lithuanian lit - LTL - 4.531
Norwegian krone - NOK - 1.919
Russian rouble - RUB - 0.435
Swedish krona - SEK - 1.706
US dollar - USD - 12.070
Euro - EUR - 15.647
SPORTS NEWS
Markko Märtin fourth in Sardinia
May 1 - The Estonian rally driver Markko Märtin finished in fourth overall with his Peugeot 307WRC on the WRC round Rally d'Italia-Sardinia. "There was not a lot I could do today apart from try and drive safely to the finish. That still required the maximum concentration, because the conditions and the stages were extremely difficult. But I've learnt a lot on this event about the car and the tyres, which will be very useful for the three rough and hot rallies coming up in Cyprus, Turkey and Greece," Märtin said after the event.
First Estonian drafted by American Football profi league team
Apr 25 - Michael (Mihkel) Roos, a 22-year-old Estonian who moved to the United States with his family in the early 1990s, has been drafted as the first ever Estonian by a team of the National Football League
(NFL).
The Eastern Washington offensive tackle was picked 41st in the second round of the NFL draft by the Tennessee Titans.
Roos was named All-America first-team and Division 1-AA Offensive Lineman of the Year by The NFL Draft Report. He also garnered All-America honours from the American Football Coaches Association and The Sports Network.
The other Estonians who have played in North American professional leagues are former NHL player Toomas Edur and ex-NBA player Martin Müürsepp.
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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