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Estonian Review: April 11-17, 2005
20.04.2005
TOP NEWS
FOREIGN NEWS
DOMESTIC NEWS
ECONOMIC NEWS
TOP NEWS
Estonia's new Government takes oath of office
Apr 13 - Estonia's new coalition Government formed by the right-leaning Reform, centre-left Centre and left-leaning People's Union parties led by Prime Minister Andrus Ansip was sworn in before the Riigikogu.
The ceremony was attended by President Arnold Rüütel who at the same time signed a resolution to dismiss the previous, Juhan Parts-led Cabinet.
Following is the list of members of the government:
Education and Science Minister -- Mailis Reps (Centre);
Justice Minister -- Rein Lang (Reform);
Defence Minister -- Jaak Jõerüüt (Reform);
Environment Minister -- Villu Reiljan (People's Union);
Culture Minister -- Raivo Palmaru (Centre);
Economy and Communications Minister -- Edgar Savisaar (Centre);
Agriculture Minister -- Ester Tuiksoo (People's Union);
Finance Minister -- Aivar Sõerd (People's Union);
Regional Affairs Minister -- Jaan Õunapuu (People's Union);
Interior Minister -- Kalle Laanet (Centre);
Social Affairs Minister -- Jaak Aab (Centre);
Foreign Minister -- Urmas Paet (Reform);
Minister without portfolio for Population Affairs -- Paul-Eerik Rummo (Reform).
Paet: The European Union must make sure that the security of Georgia's Northern Border is not compromised
Apr 15 - Foreign Minister Urmas Paet participated in the European Union Foreign Ministers Gymnich meeting in Luxembourg.
The unsolved conflicts in the South Caucasus, the situation in Belarus and recent developments in China as well as in the surrounding region were under discussion at the meeting.
Speaking about the South Caucasus, the Foreign Ministers found that the European Union's message must be clear. The Ministers emphasised the importance of involving the South Caucasus in the European neighbourhood policy and the importance of outlining concrete action plans for those countries.
According to Foreign Minister Urmas Paet, Estonia is interested in attaining stability in the whole South Caucasian region, since it is important not only for the region, but also for the security of whole Europe. There is a lack of international interest and commitment to the process of solving the conflicts, Paet acknowledged.
Much attention was drawn to Georgia; several Foreign Ministers shared the opinion that the withdrawal of Russian troops from Georgia is a key question. Estonia's Foreign Minister noted that Russia has a crucial role in solving frozen conflicts. If Russia would finally meet the commitments taken at the OSCE Istanbul Summit and withdraw its troops from Georgia, it would be a vital contribution to the enhancement of regional security he added.
The EU foreign policy leaders were generally in agreement that an international presence in Georgia is important. The Estonian Foreign Minister underlined that the European Union must make sure that the security of Georgia's northern border is not compromised. Therefore, appropriate practical preparations towards a border-monitoring mission to this end should start as soon as possible. The training of Georgian border guards under the OSCE aegis is notable progress, but we cannot limit ourselves only to that. The European Union must increase its presence on Georgian borders Paet said.
The second point of the agenda was the situation in Belarus. It was agreed that the general political situation had worsened giving rise to concern. The opposition in Belarus is weak and without a definite leader, the civil society is undeveloped, and the ruling regime withholds information from the people.
The EU Foreign Ministers agreed that the European Union must be made more evident in Belarus and the Ministers favoured the establishment of a European Commission mission in Minsk. According to Foreign Minister Urmas Paet, Belarus must not stay in the grey zone, for it would make the situation more difficult and contribute to the deepening of stagnation. The Belarussian people cannot be blamed for having such a leadership, Paet stated. For that reason the topic of Belarus must continually be on the European Union's agenda, he emphasised.
The EU foreign policy leaders discussed different possibilities for contributing to the development of the independent press in Belarus in order to impart information to the Belarussian people. The intensifying of contacts in the field of education, including student exchanges was considered to be of utmost importance. Foreign Minister Paet confirmed Estonia's support for the revival of the so-called Belarussian Radio, through which impartial information could be transmitted to the Belarussian people. The transmitting stations could be located in neighbouring countries.
Foreign Minister Paet also underlined Ukraine's growing role in the democratisation of Belarus. Ukrainian non-governmental organisations, who have close ties with the Belarussian opposition should certainly be involved, Paet said.
US Congressmen urge Moscow to admit Soviet occupation of Baltic States
Apr 14 - Nine members of the U.S. House of Representatives submitted a draft resolution calling on Moscow to condemn the Soviet occupation of Baltic States.
The resolution was initiated by Congressman John Shimkus, a long-time staunch supporter of the Baltic States, and Dennis Kucinich and the chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, Christopher Cox, joined it later.
The document says that the Russian Government should issue a clear and unambiguous statement of admission and condemnation of the illegal occupation and annexation by the Soviet Union from 1940 to 1991 of the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
According to the draft, such a step by the Russian Government would lead to improved relations between the people of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania and the people of Russia, form the basis for improved relations between the Governments of the countries, and strengthen stability in the region.
The preamble of the resolution states, inter alia, that the incorporation in 1940 of the Baltic countries into the Soviet Union was an act of aggression carried out against the will of sovereign peoples, that the Soviet occupation brought countless suffering to the Baltic nations through terror, killings, and deportations to Siberian concentration camps, and that the people of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania bravely resisted Soviet aggression first through armed resistance and later through political resistance movements.
The resolution also notes that the United States was for several decades steadfast in its policy of not recognizing the illegal Soviet annexation of the Baltic States.
The document further accentuates that Germany has renounced its participation in the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact of 1939, which consigned the Baltic States to the Soviet Union's sphere of influence and that in 1989, the Congress of Peoples Deputies of the Soviet Union declared the pact void.
FOREIGN NEWS
Estonia and India discussed possibilities for developing bilateral relations and co-operation
Apr 13 - Political consultations between the Estonian Foreign Ministry and the Indian Ministry of External Affairs took place. The Indian delegation was led by the Ministry of External Affairs Secretary Shashi Uban Tripathy and the Estonian side was led by Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Sven Jürgenson.
Mainly, the development of bilateral relations, possibilities for strengthening cultural, scientific and economic co-operation were under discussed at the meeting. Regional co-operation and relations with the European Union were also touched upon.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Secretary of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs expressed contentment over the good and developing relations between Estonia and India. She confirmed that in spite of the change of the Indian Government in 2004, the foreign policy priorities have remained the same. Estonia is a highly valued partner in foreign policy, Shasi Uban Tripathi said. The Foreign Ministry's Undersecretary on his part expressed satisfaction with the good relations between the two countries confirmed by the consultations taking place for the third time to discuss the state of play and co-operation between the two countries in the future.
The Foreign Ministry's Undersecretary gave thanks to the Indian colleagues for contributing to the good relations in the fields of culture and research, primarily in view of the activities of the Estonian-Indian Cultural Society, which began its work last year. The Society has made regular book donations to the University of Tartu, the Estonian Institute of Humanities and to the National Library. Jürgenson also extended thanks to the Indian Government for the scholarships for Estonians to study in India in the framework of the ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Co-operation) programme.
The good state of relations between Estonia and India is also demonstrated by several bilateral agreements. In the course of the consultations, current agreements were reviewed and possible future co-operation agreements were discussed.
Shasi Uban Tripathi expressed hope that intergovernmental co-operation will be strengthened in the nearest future and was pleased with the formation of the Estonian-Indian parliamentary group at the Riigikogu at the end of last year.
The Indian side also touched upon possible co-operation in trade and enhancing co-operation in the field of research and information technology. Considering the great size of India and the rapidly developing Indian economy there is room for improvement for the Estonian-Indian economic relations, and we would be pleased to see the intensifying of Estonian-Indian business relations, Undersecretary Jürgenson said. He added that to intensify these relations, Estonia would be happy to host an Indian business delegation. The Indian side agreed to the necessity of exchanging business delegations and promised to act to that end taking as a basis the Co-operation Agreement between the Estonian and Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Speaking on European Union topics, Sven Jürgenson noted that the prospect of EU accession helped to carry out rapid and comprehensive social-economic reforms in Estonian society. This was the goal on which the activities, as well as goals of the entire state administration had been focused on. Jürgenson added that Estonian representatives have been participating fully in EU structures for nearly two years, in the course of which Estonia has been able to actively participate in decision-making concerning the future. The Indian side on its part confirmed that the European Union is their main partner, with whom they have good economic and political relations. In the course of the last EU-India summit meeting in November last year, an Agreement of Strategic Partnership was signed. At the same time, both sides acknowledged that bilateral relations are of no less importance.
India recognised Estonia on 22 September 1921, when Estonia was accepted to the League of Nations. India re-recognised Estonia on 9 September 1991 and diplomatic relations were established on 2 December 1991 in Helsinki. India is represented in Estonia by Ambassador Om Prakash Gupta residing in Helsinki.
FYROM interested in Estonia's integration experience
Apr 11 - A Parliamentary delegation from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on a visit to Estonia expressed great interest in Estonia's integration experience with the West.
Chairman of the Macedonian Parliament Ljupco Jordanovski, meeting with Chairman of the Estonian Riigikogu Ene Ergma, said that as his country wanted to become a member of the European Union and NATO it was very much interested in the Estonian integration experience.
The FYROM delegation also expressed the wish to get a closer view of the Estonian e-state project.
Ergma said that information technology had very significantly influenced Estonian life. She said that thanks to modern technology it was possible to better involve society in politics.
"The relations between our two countries have been friendly, Ergma said, but added that contacts in the economic, scientific and cultural spheres could be closer.
The FYROM delegation and Ergma also discussed the visa regime and issues connected with the name of the Macedonian state. At present, the neighbour of Greece is known under the official name of Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, FYROM.
Estonian Military Head considers co-operation between NATO and EU vital
Apr 13 - Military co-operation and co-ordination between NATO and the European Union are vital for achieving interoperability of military capabilities, says the Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces, Vice Adm. Tarmo Kõuts, who met with his colleagues from EU member states in Brussels.
Estonia supports setting clear tasks and sharing responsibility among EU member states and structures in accordance with the capabilities development mechanism, Kõuts said at the meeting of the EU's Military Committee.
In Estonia's view, overlapping should be avoided in the process of developing military capabilities of the North Atlantic alliance and the EU, the Defence Ministry said.
Estonia will continue work to develop the EU's rapid reaction capability in whose framework consultations are being held with Finland, Norway and Sweden over forming a joint Nordic battle group.
The Defence Forces Commanders were given an overview of the current state of the European Defence Agency. The agency established last year to develop the EU's military capabilities and to co-ordinate military co-operation of member states is being staffed and is to become operational at the end of this year.
ECONOMIC NEWS
Estonia's current account deficit amounts to EUR 64 million in February
Apr 13 - The Estonian current account shortfall in February was estimated at the same level as last February, making up nearly one billion kroons (EUR 64 mln).
The deficit increased by nearly 100 million kroons compared to the previous month, the Bank of Estonia reported.
The export of goods increased by 26 per cent and import by 20 per cent in February. Compared to the previous month, exports grew by two per cent and imports by eight per cent.
Inflow from EU structural funds became brisker again in February - the surplus of the current and capital transfer accounts totalled nearly 600 million kroons, 260 per cent higher than in February 2004.
The net inflow of direct investments was high, 1.7 billion kroons.
Estonia's foreign trade turnover up by nearly one-fifth 2004
Apr 15 - The Estonian foreign trade turnover increased by 18 per cent in 2004 compared to 2003. Exports increased by 19 per cent and imports by 18 per cent.
The foreign trade turnover in 2004 totalled 179.7 billion kroons (EUR 11.48 billion); exports accounted for 74.3 billion kroons (41 per cent) and imports 105.4 billion kroons (59 per cent), the Statistical Office reported.
The foreign trade deficit was 31.1 billion kroons in 2004 compared to 26.8 billion kroons in 2003.
Goods were exported from Estonia to 161 countries and imported from 118 countries. The foreign trade balance was positive with 99 countries. Export to EU countries increased by eight billion kroons or 15 per cent, and to CIS countries by two billion kroons or 54 per cent.
Estonia's most important export partners last year were Finland, 17.2 billion, Sweden 11.4 billion and Germany 6.2 billion kroons.
Finland was the most important trade partner for Estonia also in terms of imports and goods worth 23.3 billion kroons were imported into Estonia from that country. Germany followed with 13.6 billion and Sweden 10.3 billion kroons.
Currency Rates in Kroons
April 17, 2005
British pound - GBP - 22.936
Canadian dollar - CAD - 9.979
Swiss franc - CHF - 10.072
Danish krone - DKK - 2.100
Japanese yen - JPY - 0.113
Latvian lat - LVL - 22.479
Lithuanian lit - LTL - 4.532
Norwegian krone - NOK - 1.900
Russian rouble - RUB - 0.437
Swedish krona - SEK - 1.704
US dollar - USD - 12.178
Euro - EUR - 15.647
CULTURAL NEWS
Jazzkaar 2005
Apr 17 - The international Jazz festival Jazzkaar 2005 will take place in six Estonian towns from April 22- 30. 41 concerts will be held during the festival. The most significant artist to perform in the history of Jazzkaar- Charles Lloyd- will perform at this year's festival (performed in Tallinn also in 1967).
Among others, musicians like Gery Allen, Bobo Stenson, Omar Sosa from Cuba, the widely acknowledged jazz musician Avishai Cohen from USA, Kimmo Pohjonen from Finland, bands Xpoding Plastix from Norway, Mats & Morgan from Sweden, Tys Tys from Denmark, Cosmos from Latvia and many others will perform.
Many Estonian musicians like Villu Veski, Jaak Sooäär, Estonian Dream Big Band will give concerts together with visiting musicians.
For the first time, there will also be an opening ball, where the Estonian Academy of Music orchestra and the NATO Bigband will perform.
Programme of the festival: http://www.jazzkaar.ee/2005/kava2005.php?op=jazzeng
New Estonian feature film
Apr 15 - The new Estonian feature film "Shop of Dreams" (Stiilipidu) by Peeter Urbla premiered. "Shop of Dreams" is a humorous, poignant but ultimately life-affirming film about women, friendship, love and life, Estonian style.
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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