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Estonian Review: March 7-13, 2005
16.03.2005
TOP NEWS
FOREIGN NEWS
DOMESTIC NEWS
ECONOMIC NEWS
SPORTS NEWS
TOP NEWS
The Foreign Ministry Approved Development Assistance Projects Directed at Georgia, Ukraine and Armenia
Mar 11 - The Foreign Ministry decided to support five Development Assistance Projects directed at Georgia, Ukraine and Armenia worth 1.36 million EEK. Foreign Minister Rein Lang signed the directive, pursuant to which the aid will be allocated from funds earmarked for development and humanitarian aid in the Foreign Ministry's budget. The amount will account for 36% of the means designated this year for development assistance projects.
Two projects are being directed at Georgia -support for the development of vocational training and the introduction of a Tiger Leap programme (national programme for the computerisation of Estonian schools). The aim of the first project is to share Estonia's experience in establishing and developing vocational training systems and vocational education institutions. The main goal of the project, a study visit of the leadership of Georgian vocational education institutions to Estonia has been planned to introduce the Estonian experience in establishing and developing vocational training. The applicant of the project is the Co-ordination Centre of the non-profit association SOS-Kinderdorf International. The aim of the second project is the development of a Tiger Leap programme by the E-Governance Academy for the Georgian Ministry of Education and Science. The programme provides for the development of a pilot stage for the Georgian Tiger Leap for the years 2005 to 2006 and a follow-up stage for the years 2007 to 2008. Georgia has named their programme Deer Leap.
Two projects will support the development of Ukraine's public services at the central government and local self-government level. The first project is a follow-up to the earlier very successful training project CUBEMTP (Canada-Ukraine-Baltic Economic Management Training Program) that took place from 2000-2004. The goal of the project is to support Ukraine's public services, its development and its political and economic reforms through the training of civil servants. In the framework of the project, two training programmes/study trips have been planned for 12 Ukrainian officials from environmental and social fields. The Centre for Public Service Training and Development will be run the project. In the second project, the Põlva County Government would like to share Estonia and Põlva County's experience from 15 years of reforming the society with Ukraine's Kulikovka region, as well as to show the results of the reforms - an economically developed European Union Member State with an open society.
The aim of the project directed at Armenia is to help Armenia develop its system of civil defence and enhance communication between nations contributing to the achievement of its political goals. The project will be realised through seminars, introductory visits, training and the delivery of humanitarian aid. The Estonian Rescue Board and the officials of subordinated institutions will carry out the project.
From the point of view of development co-operation, the year 2005 has made an active start. The interest of target countries towards Estonia's reform experience and achievements has continually been growing. The readiness of Estonian organisations to direct their knowledge and experience to support countries, which need assistance on their path of development, has grown. The numerous project applications received by the Foreign Ministry's Division of Development Co-operation as of the beginning of the year give indication of the enhanced interest.
The amount of funds earmarked for development and humanitarian aid in the Foreign Ministry's 2005 budget amounts to 8 million EEK.
The detailed project descriptions and an overview of Estonian development co-operation projects in recent years are available on the Foreign Ministry's homepage at: http://www.vm.ee/eng/kat_178/
Baltic Foreign Ministers Strongly Support the Resumption of the Border Monitoring Mission
Mar 12 - Foreign Minister Rein Lang met with Latvian Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Antanas Valionis in Riga. At the Foreign Ministers meeting, trilateral co-operation, topics related to the European Union and Georgia were under discussion.
The Foreign Ministers acknowledged having no problems in trilateral co-operation and exchanged information on their positions in respect of the European Union. In connection with the celebrations taking place on 9 May in Moscow, the Ministers noted that they respect the decisions of the Baltic Presidents. According to the Foreign Ministers, the assessment made by the Baltic States regarding the events of 1944 is clear and Russia will be addressed unanimously.
The Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian Foreign Ministers discussed the situation in Georgia in detail and agreed to strongly support the resumption of the Georgian Border Monitoring Mission under the aegis of the European Union. We consider it of utmost importance that the Border Monitoring Mission be re-established and we are prepared to lead the mission, Foreign Minister Lang underlined. The Baltic Foreign Ministers expressed concern over the situation in Belarus.
In the morning, the three Foreign Ministers kicked off a basketball tournament between the Foreign Ministries of the three Baltic States and Finland and competed in a free throw contest.
The extension of the mandate of the OSCE Border Monitoring Mission on the border between Georgia and the Russian Federation turned out to be impossible due to Russia's opposition. The OSCE Border Monitoring Mission finished its work on 1 March 2005.
FOREIGN NEWS
US Army News Service praises Estonian soldiers in Iraq
Mar 9 - Estonian soldiers in Iraq are playing a major role in keeping supply convoys safe while moving through Iraq, the United States Army News Service reported.
The Estonian light infantry platoon Estpla-10 helps to minimize risks in delivering supplies through a joint operation with an American tank company from the 10th Mountain Division in Gazalia Village, a 15-kilometer section of road in the heart of Western Baghdad that is known to be a hot spot for improvised explosive devices.
The American tank company, part of Task Force 141, 2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, doesn't have any light infantry soldiers, so it relies on the Estonians to provide security for tanks, and in turn they provide security for the Estonians.
"It's not too easy to cordon and search with a bunch of tanks," said Company Commander Capt. Jade Hinman. "To have a group of Estonians who are good at what they do is like having a plate of brownies to myself. I'm not getting a second-rate team; I'm getting first-rate soldiers."
Sgt. Michael Fragassi, who works directly with the Estonian soldiers on the ground, said he was impressed to see their capabilities. "I expected them to show up with outdated Russian surplus equipment, but they are very well equipped," he said. "They have the same night vision as us, they carry Israeli manufactured Galils, which are basically the best parts of an AK-47 and an M16 put together, and they are very well-trained," Fragassi said.
"They are awesome," he said. "Outstanding soldiers. I'd put them on par with our rangers as far as their training and weapons are concerned."
EDA chief urges Europe to closer co-operation
Mar 11 - Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency (EDA) Nick Witney, on one-day visit to Estonia, urged European countries to co-operate more closely in defence questions.
Witney and EDA's Deputy Director for Armaments Arto Koski gave an overview of the activity of the agency at a meeting with Defence Minister Jaak Jõerüüt and the Permanent Undersecretary of the Defence Ministry, Lauri Almann.
The parties analysed the challenges facing the organisation and the prospects of development of European defence capabilities. They agreed on regular exchanges of information and all-round co-operation in security matters.
The purpose of the European Defence Agency set up last year is to develop Europe's defence potential, promote co-operation in the sphere of armaments and strengthen the industrial and technological basis of the European defence sector.
USA proposes discussion on abolition of visas to Estonia
Mar 09 - The United States Consul in Estonia Paul O. Mayer presented the Foreign Ministry a note in which the United States asks Estonia to set up a joint working group to discuss a programme for the abolition of visas.
Estonia is ready to setting up the joint working group and it could be done in the next few weeks. The United States has set a number of terms constituting a precondition to the abolition of visas for the Baltic States.
Estonian President to award high decoration to Helsinki Mayor
Mar 11 - Estonian President Arnold Rüütel presented the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana, 3rd Class, to the Mayor of Helsinki, Eva-Riitta Siitonen.
The ceremony at the President's Kadriorg residence was also attended by Tallinn Mayor Tõnis Palts. Among the topics discussed in the three-way meeting was the deepening of the co-operation between the two capitals.
US congressman urges Moscow to condemn occupation of Baltic States
Mar 11 - A staunch supporter of the Baltic States, U.S. Congressman John Shimkus has submitted a draft resolution urging Moscow to condemn the Soviet occupation of the Baltic States.
The draft resolution says that the Russian Federation 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, forming the basis for improved relations between the Governments of the countries, strengthening 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, the United States was steadfast in its policy of not recognizing the illegal Soviet annexation of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania for several decades. 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.
Another Congressman -- Republican member of the House of Representatives Thaddeus G. McCotter -- recently urged the Baltic States and the United States to join efforts in demanding that Russia should admit and apologize for communist crimes and the occupation.
Estonia's Honorary Consul Assumed His Duties In Nancy, France
Mar 11 - Foreign Ministry Secretary General Priit Kolbre opened Estonia's Honorary Consulate in Nancy, France, where the new Honorary Consul Laurence Charbonnier will assume his duties. Nancy's Honorary Consul will have jurisdiction over the provinces of Alsace and Lorraine.
Estonian Ambassador to France Andres Talvik, Mayor of Nancy André Rossinot, Vice President of the French Chamber of Commerce Jean-Luc Rémy and the local Honorary Consuls of different countries participated in the festive ceremony. After the ceremony, Mayor of Nancy André Rossinot held a reception in the City Hall, where Secretary of State for Youth Employment and Nancy's Former Deputy Mayor Laurent Hénart participated.
The new Honorary Consul will start work at the address: 9, rue du Général Fabvier, 54000 Nancy and he can be reached by phone at (33) 3 83 40 24 00 and fax at (33) 3 83 90 36 12, or via e-mail at: l.charbonnier@avocatline.com.
Estonia now has three Honorary Consuls in France. Serge Arnould in Lyon with consular jurisdiction over the regions of Rhône-Alpes and Auvergne and Hélène Berdoy-Mayer in Toulouse with consular jurisdiction over Midi-Pyrénées and Languedoc-Rousillon.
Estonia's new Honorary Consul in Poland
Mar 11 - Foreign Ministry Director General of the Consular Department Jaanus Kirikmäe opened Estonia's Honorary Consulate in Poland in Poznan, Wielkopolskie Voivodship. The new Estonian Honorary Consul in Poland is Mr. Michal Iwaszkiewicz.
The Estonian Ambassador to Poland Mr. Aivo Orav, the representatives of the Polish diplomatic corps, local self-government, businessmen and the press participated in the opening.
The new Honorary Consul will start work at the address: ul. Glogowska 26, 80-734 Poznan and his contact numbers are +48 604 55 88 99; +48 61 88 62 840, fax number is +48 61 88 62 839.
Estonia will have two Honorary Consuls in Poland. On 25 October 2002, Estonian Honorary Consul Szczecins started work in the consular jurisdiction of the Zachodnio-pomorskie, Pomorskie and Lubuskie Voivodships.
DOMESTIC NEWS
Lipstok and Kreitzberg become Deputy Chairmen of the Riigikogu
Mar 07 - The Estonian Parliament elected Andres Lipstok and Peeter Kreitzberg as Deputy Chairmen of the Riigikogu.
In the extraordinary elections that were held because Former Deputy Chairman, Rein Lang had been appointed as Foreign Minister, Lipstok collected 47 votes, and Kreitzberg 27 votes.
ECONOMIC NEWS
Consumer prices in Estonia up 4.5 per cent on year in February
Mar 07 - The consumer price index in Estonia rose by 0.6 percent in February compared to January and by 4.5 per cent year-on-year, the Statistical Office reports.
Prices of goods in general increased by 0.5 per cent this month, including a rise of 0.3 per cent in food prices and 0.7 percent in manufactured goods. Services became 0.7 per cent more expensive.
Compared with January, consumer prices were mostly influenced by a rise in the prices of motor fuel and the end of special offers in telephone services.
Compared with February 2004, goods and services were last month on the average 4.5 per cent more expensive.
Estonia is among the frontrunners in the availability of public services via the Internet - survey
Mar 09 - Estonia is the only new EU member that can put up competition to the old members in terms of availability of public services via the Internet. Sweden and Austria lead the European Union in this area.
According to the European Commission report, most of the so-called new members lag behind the old ones by about two years in online public services. Estonia is the only new EU member occupying a high place on the list, placing higher than France and Germany.
The list was compiled looking at criteria such as how well residents can pay taxes, apply for various documents, write a police statement and borrow books online. The survey looked at 14 000 different web pages in drawing up the report.
In comparison with other EU members, Estonia stands out for the ease of application for various environment-related permits on the Internet, registration of a new business, filing a statement with police and conducting various medicine-related procedures.
The survey found that EU residents could conduct 40 per cent of their affairs related to public services via the Internet.
Currency Rates in Kroons
March 13, 2005
British pound - GBP - 22.379
Canadian dollar - CAD - 9.678
Swiss franc - CHF - 10.098
Danish krone - DKK - 2.101
Japanese yen - JPY - 0.112
Latvian lat - LVL - 22.475
Lithuanian lit - LTL - 4.532
Norwegian krone - NOK - 1.915
Russian rouble - RUB - 0.425
Swedish krona - SEK - 1.727
US dollar - USD - 11.666
Euro - EUR - 15.647
SPORTS NEWS
Estonia's Veerpalu wins Nordic ski World Cup race in Norway
Mar 12 - Estonia's Andrus Veerpalu won the men's 50-kilometre classic style race in the Nordic skiing World Cup at Holmenkollen in Norway, clocking 2 hours 10 minutes 25.2 seconds.
Veerpalu took the lead after 25 kilometres and after 35 kilometres he led Odd-Bjoern Hjelmeset of Norway by 24.6 seconds, but then he fell. At the 40-kilometre point Veerpalu was ahead by only 0.8 seconds. Nevertheless, he managed to outpace the field in the last 10 kilometres of the race.
Veerpalu was the winner of the Holmenkollen ski marathon also in 2003.
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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