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Estonian Review: April 18-24, 2005
27.04.2005
TOP NEWS
FOREIGN NEWS
DEFENCE NEWS
ECONOMIC NEWS
CULTURAL NEWS
TOP NEWS
EU Foreign Policy Chief hopes for speedy signature of Estonian-Russian border treaty
Apr 22 - Secretary-General of the Council of the European Union and High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana hopes the border treaty between Estonia and Russia will be signed soon. In his opinion, this could take place in the framework of the May 10 EU-Russia summit.
"The sooner the border treaty is signed the better. I hope this will be possible during the EU-Russia summit on May 10," Solana told reporters in Tallinn.
Estonia could sign the border treaty at once, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet noted. "An EU-Russia summit will take place on May 10 and it would be great if the border treaty got signatures by that time," he said.
Commenting on Russian accusations of the Baltic States being disposed toward Nazism, Solana advised to bear in mind that World War II ended already back in 1945. Historical events have to be analysed and all who lived during World War II experienced that time in a personal way, he said.
The Secretary-General Solana also met with Estonian President Arnold Rüütel. The EU's Foreign Policy Chief sounded Rüütel out about Estonian views on how the EU could in future manage relations with Russia.
Russia is experiencing great changes right now, but future developments are yet unclear, the Secretary-General said.
Rüütel voiced the opinion the EU must help Russia in the democratisation process, but stressed at the same time that such a process certainly requires will on Russia's part.
"Estonia, too, wants to develop relations with Russia in the framework of the four common spaces policy mapped out by the EU." the President said.
Solana highlighted the importance of good relations with the EU's neighbours, underscoring that it is a message of reconciliation that has to be passed from one generation to other. The EU seeks close co-operation with Russia in the name of progress, Solana said.
The Secretary-General showed interest in how life in Estonia has changed during the year since entry into the EU. In his words, even after such a short time Estonia can be described as a full and equal member of the family who shares the same values as naturally as if it had been in the union since the conclusion of the Treaty of Rome that established the European Community.
Paet: NATO supports Ukraine's move towards transatlantic values
On Thursday, 21 April, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet participated in the informal meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers in Vilnius. Sessions of the NATO-Ukraine Commission and the NATO-Russia Council also took place in the framework of the meeting.
At the NATO-Ukraine Commission session, NATO invited Ukraine to begin an Intensified Dialogue on Ukraine's aspirations to membership and relevant reforms, without prejudice to any eventual Alliance decision. According to Foreign Minister Paet, by giving a clear signal of NATO's support to Ukraine's developments was timely recognition of the developments in Ukraine . A political message of this kind is necessary to support Ukraine's move towards transatlantic values, Paet said. Estonia's Foreign Minister emphasised that the Alliance's further decisions will be based on Ukraine's own activities. For that reason we are waiting for substantial dialogue from both sides, he noted. Paet added that the raising the public's knowledge about NATO is of utmost importance. Public support for Ukraine's NATO aspirations is of crucial importance, he underscored. The Estonian Foreign Minister also confirmed Estonia's continuous support and aid to Ukraine in accordance with Estonia's possibilities and Ukraine's needs.
Yesterday at the NATO Foreign Ministers dinner, the main discussion topic was enhanced political dialogue, which received a strong impetus from the NATO Summit Meeting on 22 February, where the Allies discussed the necessity of using NATO also as a forum for political consultations. According to Foreign Minister Paet, Estonia is supportive of an enhanced political dialogue. Through dialogue, we can keep our eyes open to notice trends, which may pose a threat to the security situation, Paet said. The Estonian Foreign Minister expressed satisfaction that the NATO countries have a common understanding of the need for a much wider dialogue with the UN and in particular with the European Union. "We desire more substantial meetings between NATO and the European Union, because in this unique forum we can deal with significantly wider and more serious topics," he said.
Temporary Differences will not break Baltic Unity
Apr 21 - Foreign Minister Urmas Paet together with his Latvian and Lithuanian colleagues met with Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus at the informal meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers.
At the brunch meeting, the renewal of Baltic co-operation was under discussion. The Lithuanian President and the Baltic Foreign Ministers acknowledged that there are many areas, where the three countries have common interests and close co-operation is necessary. The participants shared the opinion that recent differences were temporary and will not break Baltic unity
The parties discussed the financial perspective and the European Union neighbourhood policy as topics of mutual interest. As to the financial perspective, the positions of the three countries were considered to be similar and the necessity of enhancing the exchange of information was underlined. Also, as regards to the EU neighbourhood policy, the interests as well as the orientation of the activities of the three countries are similar.
Environmental protection, co-operation in the field of energy and the development of transport infrastructures were also discussed. According to Foreign Minister Paet, it is of utmost importance that Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia co-ordinate their activities directed towards environmental protection. "We should jointly concentrate our focus on the transport of oil products in the Baltic Sea," Paet noted. The participants in the meeting also shared the opinion that the gas pipeline between Russia and Germany should not run through the Baltic Sea, which is a very busily navigated sea and there exist the possibility of environmental risks.
Estonia's Foreign Minister brought attention to co-operation in the energy sphere, finding that the Baltic States have to enhance their independence in the field of energy. "Through technical links between the Nordic and Baltic electricity markets, it will be possible to achieve this goal - joining the Nordic energy system through ESTLINK and creating an energy bridge with Western Europe through Lithuania and Poland" Paet said.
Last night, Foreign Minister Paet held a brief discussion with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. In the course of the conversation, the Foreign Ministers expressed hope that the border agreement will be signed in the near future.
FOREIGN NEWS
Strong EU and NATO serve Estonia's interest - PM
Apr 21 - It is in Estonia's interest for the European Union and NATO to be as strong as possible, the Estonia's new Head of Government said. "The next aim of Estonia's foreign policy is to support initiatives that help strengthen the EU and NATO," Andrus Ansip said in an interview with Finnish news agency STT.
Being a member of the EU and the North Atlantic alliance has boosted Estonia's self-confidence and stability, the Premier added. In his words, membership in these organizations has raised foreign investors' interest in this country and led to an increase in the number of tourists coming here.
Ansip noted that accession to the EU offered new opportunities to Estonian businesses as well and gave people access to a bigger labour market.
In addition to EU and NATO membership, Estonia attaches great importance to relations with the United States, the Prime Minister added.
"We are not expecting a breakthrough in relations with Russia, but I hope they will become more constructive," Ansip said. "As Prime Minister, I confirm Estonia's continued readiness for this."
He added that in his opinion close co-operation with the Nordic countries is particularly important. Ties between Estonia and Finland go much deeper than merely being good friends, the Premier declared. "This is precisely why I decided to make my first trip abroad as Prime Minister to Finland at the beginning of May," he added.
The new Government's key goals are to keep economic policy on the right course, raise the birth rate and strengthen national security, the Prime Minister said.
Estonia's most important task in the next 15 years is to ensure right investments. "Estonia will have no future as a state and as a nation unless we invest in a knowledge-based economy and education," Ansip stated.
Estonia and Iraq established diplomatic relations
On Friday, 22 April, Estonia's Permanent Representative at the UN Tiina Intelmann and Iraqi representative at the UN Ambassador Samir Shakir Mahmood Sumadaie signed an agreement establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries in New York.
Estonian Ambassador to the UN Tiina Intelmann stated that Estonia's relations with Iraq have in reality existed for some time already. Estonia's and the international coalition's mission is more significant than ever - a new, democratic Iraq has to be rebuilt. Also here Estonia can lend assistance primarily through the UN activities, Ambassador Intelmann noted. Recently, the UN Security Council emphasised that all layers of the Iraqi population would like to see a stronger UN involvement in rebuilding Iraq. Estonia intends to offer experts to the UN working group helping write the Iraqi Constitution.
The Republic of Iraq recognised the Republic of Estonia on 1 January 1992.
Foreign Ministry Approved Aid Projects Directed at Georgia, Moldova and Indonesia, as well as a Project for Educating Estonian Youth in the Field of Development Co-operation
On Friday, 22 April, the Foreign Ministry decided to support five development and humanitarian aid projects directed at Georgia, Moldova and Indonesia, as well as a project for educating Estonian youth in the field of Development Co-operation with 940 000 kroons. Foreign Minister Urmas Paet signed a directive earmarking the sum in the Foreign Ministry's budget from the means foreseen for development and humanitarian aid.
Two projects are directed at Georgia; an EU training programme for Georgian Civil Servants in co-operation with the EU TACIS aid program applied for by the Estonian School of Diplomacy and a project for the officials from the Georgian Parliament in co-operation with the Swedish Parliament applied for by the Riigikogu Chancellery. In the framework of the first project, the Georgian officials will be introduced to the Estonian experience in European integration and a week-long training course is scheduled for 12 Georgian officials, who work in the European integration departments of different Georgian state institutions. The goal of the second project is through practical parliamentary work experience to support Georgia's endeavours in building democratic rule of law. In the framework of the project, a week-long study programme will take place for 10 officials of the Georgian Parliament.
The initiator of the third project is also the Estonian School of Diplomacy. The Foreign Ministry is going to allocate two scholarships for a Moldavian and a Georgian young diplomat to study international relations and European integration in Estonia.
The Foreign Ministry also approved monetary support for a humanitarian aid project in Indonesia conducted by the Rescue Board. The goal of the project is to send the logistics group of the Estonian Disaster Relief Team on a mission to Calang, Indonesia to support international humanitarian aid organisations (OCHA, UNDP, WHO, WFP) engaged in liquidating the damage done in South-East Asia
The Foreign Ministry also decided to support the Open Estonia Foundation's project in co-operation with the GLEN (Global Education Network of Young Europeans) education programme. The main purpose of the project is to raise the knowledge of Estonians regarding development problems in poorer countries and the importance of development co-operation in communication between countries and peoples. The project will allow for students and young professionals to work in their fields in a developing country, to obtain cultural exchange experience and then actively participate in promoting a solidarity way of thinking in Estonia. The global education project GLEN was created in 2003 by the German organisation ASA and partner organisations of the seven new EU Member States. The purpose of GLEN is to promote the understanding of the world based on solidarity, justice and economy through volunteering work in a developing country among European youth. To attain the goals of the project three Estonian youths (aged from 21 to 30) will participate in three-month community projects approved by the partners of the project.
8 million kroons is allocated from the Foreign Ministry's 2005 budget to development and humanitarian aid.
An overview of Estonian development co-operation is available on the Foreign Ministry's home page at the address: http://www.vm.ee/eng/kat_178/
Estonia to post diplomat to Finnish Embassy in India
Apr 22 - The Estonian Foreign Ministry will post a diplomat to the Finnish Embassy in India to handle consular issues in the summer.
The Estonian diplomat will be dealing with visas, and residence and work permits, Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Marina Kaljurand said.
She said the measure was preceded by thorough negotiations with the Indian and Finnish Foreign Ministries as both countries' approval was necessary for an Estonian diplomat to be able to work in the embassy of another country.
Estonia wants to open an embassy of its own in India in future but this is not likely to happen any time soon, Kaljurand noted.
Estonia has two Honorary Consulates in India, with Honorary Consul General Kasturi Lal Vig and Honorary Consul Anil Vig in New Delhi, and Honorary Consul Sunil Khanna in Mumbai.
DEFENCE NEWS
Estonian Parliament extends Defence Forces mission in Iraq
Apr 20 - The Estonian Parliament extended the Estonian Defence Forces mission in Iraq until December 31, reserving the option of revising the deadline if the United Nations extends the coalition forces mandate.
ECONOMIC NEWS
Estonia's Q1 consumer price index up 0.7 per cent
Apr 20 - Estonia's consumer price index in the first quarter of 2005 grew 0.7 per cent compared to Q4 2004, the Statistical Office said.
Goods became 0.4 per cent more expensive compared with the preceding quarter, including food by 1.6 per cent. The prices of manufactured goods dropped on the average 0.6 per cent. Services became 1.1 per cent more expensive.
The change in the consumer price index in the first quarter compared to the fourth quarter of 2004 was mainly the result of an increase in the prices of vegetables and electricity, a temporary decrease in the prices of motor fuel in January, as well as higher prices for alcoholic beverages and tobacco.
Estonia's March producer prices grow 2.8 per cent on year
Apr 20 - The producer price index in Estonia declined 0.2 per cent in March compared to February and increased 2.8 per cent compared to March 2004, the Statistical Office said.
In energy supply, the producer price index dropped 4.7 per cent month on month and was down 2.7 per cent compared to March 2004. In mining, a decline of 0.2 per cent occurred month on month, while in comparison with March a year ago producer prices rose 2.5 per cent.
In manufacturing prices were up 0.2 per cent on the month and 3.4 per cent in comparison with March 2004.
The monthly change in the producer price index was mainly influenced by a decrease in prices in the manufacture of chemicals, chemical and energy products and by an increase in prices in the manufacture of rubber and plastic products, the Statistical Office said.
The export price index grew 0.4 per cent month on month and 3.5 per cent compared to March 2004. The respective growth rates in the import price index were 0.8 per cent and 4.5 per cent.
Currency Rates in Kroons
April 24, 2005
British pound - GBP - 22.881
Canadian dollar - CAD - 9.683
Swiss franc - CHF - 10.130
Danish krone - DKK - 2.100
Japanese yen - JPY - 0.113
Latvian lat - LVL - 22.480
Lithuanian lit - LTL - 4.532
Norwegian krone - NOK - 1.918
Russian rouble - RUB - 0.432
Swedish krona - SEK - 1.707
US dollar - USD - 11.982
Euro - EUR - 15.647
CULTURAL NEWS
Exhibition "Expressionism in Estonian Art (1890 - 1930)"
Apr 24 - The exhibition "Expressionism in Estonian Art (1890 - 1930)" will be opening on Apr 30th at the Egon Schiele Art Centrum in Česky Krumlov, Czech Republic.
Selected exhibits of the most distinguished representatives of Estonian expressionists Nikolai Triik, Ado Vabbe, Eduard Wiiralt, Konrad Mägi, Aleksader Tassa, Märt Laarman, Jaan Vahtra and Anton Starkopf will be exhibited for the first time in Central Europe.
The exhibition is organised in co-operation with the Estonian Embassy in Prague and with the Estonian Ministry of Culture.
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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