Permanent Representation of Estonia to the UN :: Press releases, News

Estonia Helps Haiti Manage Cholera Epidemic

Sun, 12 Dec 2010 20:21:26 GMT

Estonia is supporting the activities of UNICEF is alleviating the situation of residents of Haiti, particularly woman and children, during the cholera epidemic. To this end the Foreign Ministry is allocating nearly 60 000 euros to support UNICEF.

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that the complicated humanitarian situation in Haiti, which suffered an earthquake at the beginning of this year, has gotten even worse as a result of the vast cholera epidemic that began in October. “Over 2 100 people have already died due to the epidemic, and nearly 45 000 have been taken to hospitals. The situation is very critical in regions that suffered as a result of the earthquake, where the need for humanitarian aid is especially great,” Paet emphasised. “In order to prevent the further spread of the epidemic, the clean water issue must be resolved and sanitary and hygiene problems must be improved,” he added.

The goal of UNICEF’s activities in Haiti is to improve the situation for people, especially women and children, living in temporary camps by increasing the availability of clean water and ensuring hygienic conditions. In order to help the million resettled residents, including 420 000 children and 300 000 women, UNICEF will need 18.8 million EUR.

The 7.3 magnitude earthquake that took place on 12 January of this year and its aftershocks caused extensive destruction in Haiti and left 1.5 million people without homes, clean water, and normal sanitary conditions.

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Estonia Chosen as Member of UN Women Executive Board

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 15:42:51 GMT

On 10 November the UN Economic and Security Council chose Estonia as a member of the Executive Board of the newly created UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women).

The new UN agency, which was created on 2 July, will address women’s rights and equality issues all over the world and implement concrete and focused programmes for improving the situation of women in developing countries. The creation of the agency was preceded by six months of intense negotiations among the UN member states led by the ambassadors of Estonia and Tunisia in order to achieve an agreement on bringing together all of the UN sub-organisations addressing the rights of women under one agency. The agency UN Women, created under the leadership of Estonia and Tunisia, will be led by former president of Chile Michelle Bachelet.

The Executive Board is the governing body of the UN Women agency, which supports the agency on behalf of the member states and monitors the agency’s activities. Estonia was chosen largely thanks to its visible past contributions to promoting women’s rights in the work of the UN. Estonia’s membership status in the Executive Board of the UN Entity for Gender Equality (UN Women) will last until the end of 2012. From 2007-2009 Estonia was the chairman of the Consultative Committee of the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), which is now a part of UN Women.

There are a total of 41 UN member states on the executive board of UN Women, through which all the regions in the world are represented.

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Foreign Minister Paet: Estonia Feels Quick Reaction to Emergency Situations is Important

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 14:19:22 GMT

No. 297-E

During his meeting in New York with UN Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that reacting quickly to emergency situations is important to Estonia. “We have done so this year after the disasters in Haiti in Pakistan, when we have helped to co-ordinate the delivery of aid to those who need it. There are Estonian experts working in Haiti and Pakistan right now, co-ordinating the distribution of aid,” said Foreign Minister Urmas Paet. “The construction of a field camp for 70 UN aid workers in the city of Sukkur in Pakistan was recently started with the help of some Estonian rescue experts,” Paet added.

The new UN Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos emphasised that co-operation with Estonian humanitarian aid co-ordinators and experts is good. “Our co-operation confirms that a contribution does not always have to be large financially in order to be effective,” said Amos.

Foreign Minister Paet also introduced Estonia’s plans for participating in international aid activities. “With the draft of the state budget approved by the government last week, Estonia is taking an important step towards fulfilling our international responsibilities,” Paet said.

Foreign Minister Paet also met in New York with representatives of the American Jewish Committee, with whom he discussed the suspended Middle East peace process and its developments, as well as co-operation with the Jewish community in Estonia. “The Estonian Jewish community is active. The main Jewish organisation, the Estonian Jewish Community, functions in accordance with statutes that are a continuation of the Jewish cultural autonomy that was originally declared in 1926,” said Paet during the meeting. “Estonia has condemned all crimes against humanity, including the Holocaust. The Holocaust is taught in our school system, and during the past few years many Estonian teachers have had the opportunity to supplement their knowledge at courses organised by the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum,” Paet noted.

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Foreign Minister Paet Met with His Colleagues from Georgia, Yemen and Lesotho

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 14:18:11 GMT

No. 298–E

Within the framework of the UN General Assembly, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet met in New York with Foreign Minister of Yemen Abu Bakr Abdallah al-Qirbi, Foreign Minister of Lesotho Mohlabi Kenneth Tsekoa, and Georgian Foreign Minister Gregory Vashadze.

The meetings focused on opportunities for intensifying relations with Georgia, Yemen and Lesotho. With the foreign ministers of Yemen and Lesotho, Paet discussed matters related to developing economic co-operation and appointing reciprocal honorary consuls. Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that in order to augment its relations and representation, Estonia would like to consistently expand its network of honorary consuls. “Estonia’s network of foreign representations is limited, but in many nations we are represented by and our citizens are aided by our active honorary consuls. We are interested in continuing to develop our network of honorary consuls and would like to find opportunities to appoint honorary consuls in Yemen and Lesotho,” said Paet.

Estonian honorary consuls help Estonian citizens with consular issues in their country of residence and also facilitate cultural and economic contacts. More information about Estonia’s network of honorary consuls across the globe is available here: http://www.vm.ee/?q=en/taxonomy/term/155.

At the meetings with the foreign ministers of Yemen and Lesotho it was agreed to establish diplomatic relations between Estonia and Yemen and Estonia and Lesotho.

Foreign Minister Paet in New York: Fight Against Corruption is Prerequisite for Development of Society

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 16:54:23 GMT

No. 296-E

While performing at the Blouin Foundation conference in New York, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that two requirements for effective development co-operation are a significant reduction in corruption and the establishment of good governing standards in development co-operation partner countries.

Paet stated that giving aid to developing countries will remain less effective as long as sufficient steps are not taken in those countries to fight corruption and establish good governing standards and rule of law. “The goal of international development co-operation must be to fundamentally change our partner countries, not just constantly give them humanitarian aid. Without these kinds of profound changes, the motivation of donor nations to contribute to development aid will wane, and the financial fulfilment of development aid goals will be jeopardised,” Paet stressed.

At the conference, Paet gave the example that the European Union’s giving of development aid to third countries should conform to the EU’s values and political goals more than it has before. “Inevitably a question arises as to the efficiency of development aid if, for example, a country that receives consistent financial aid from the EU acts internationally in a way that is against the EU’s principles, or if it oppresses its citizens,” he added.

The goal of the Blouin Foundation, which was founded in 2005, is to increase awareness of the challenges and opportunities of globalisation. This year’s conference was the fifth one organised by the foundation to act as a forum for think tanks dealing with leadership experiences, the academic world, international media, and state leaders.

Today Foreign Minister Urmas Paet will meet in New York with UN Under-Secretary General and new chief of the Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Valerie Amos. The focus of their meeting will be on the UN’s reaction capability in crisis situations and co-operation with donor nations. Foreign Minister Paet will also meet with representatives of the American Jewish Committee, with whom he will discuss the ongoing Middle East peace process and its developments, as well as co-operation with the Jewish community in Estonia.

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Estonian Foreign Minister Calls On UN to Support Women in Conflict Zones

Sun, 26 Sep 2010 16:53:23 GMT

No. 295-E

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet spoke at the UN General Assembly conference dedicated to conflict zones and alleviating the situations of the women in them. Speaking at the conference along with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Finnish Minister Elisabet Rehn, and many other ministers, Paet emphasised that in order to improve the situation of women in conflict zones, increased attention and support will be required first.

Paet emphasised that women in armed conflict zones need help with getting by in everyday life as well as with improving their opportunities and security. “During the past few years Estonia has consistently carried out projects geared towards women, and our development co-operation projects have focused on women’s opportunities to protect their rights and on increasing women’s confidence and social activeness,” said Paet, explaining how Estonia has done its part. “For example, after the 2008 war in Georgia, Estonia sent psychologists to Georgia to counsel women and children suffering from war trauma. Our recent aid projects in Afghanistan have been geared towards improving the health-related knowledge of women there, as well as education. We also emphasise politics, in which women should play a greater role,” Paet stated.

At the conference marking the 10th anniversary of UN resolution 1325, which focuses on women and their security, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon described the broad spectrum of violence against women that takes place in conflict zones, from physical and sexual violence to psychological abuse. Ban also called upon the nations to be focused in their endeavours and to increase their resources for aiding women in conflict zones.

This year’s UN General Assembly is focused on the Millennium Development Goals, particularly topics related to women, peace and security. Estonia is organising an international conference dedicated to the rights of women to take place in Tallinn in November, where the focus will be on women in specific conflict areas, especially Afghanistan.

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Foreign Minister Paet: People in Conflict Zones Need More Aid

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 13:38:14 GMT

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet, who is in New York for a working visit, gave a speech in the UN General Assembly on the Millennium Development Goals. In addition to the Estonian foreign minister, others who will be speaking at the conference dedicated to the Millennium Development Goals are UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, World Bank President Robert Zoellick, IMF Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn, UN Development Chief Helen Clark, and many other state leaders and ministers.

Paet stressed that the ability to achieve the goals set for the year 2015 and ensure stability in the world are constantly coming under more doubt, since the schedule that was agreed upon internationally is not being followed. “We must take into consideration that a third of the world’s poor live in unstable states and currently over 42 million people are displaced by conflict. Confronting our economic difficulties is necessary in order to increase the stability of the whole world,” Paet said, emphasising the significance of achieving the goals. “This is why we should focus our primary development co-operation resources on conflict zones—alleviating the situations of women, children and men who live in them and guaranteeing their human rights,” said the Estonian foreign minister.

Paet stressed that it is well-focused resources that will help to increase educational and health care opportunities for children, as well as the availability of clean drinking water. A rise in education would, in turn, help with awareness of serious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and AIDS. “Today’s information and communications technology advancements also play a role in achieving the Millennium Development Goals,” Paet stressed. As an example, Paet described the development co-operation projects through which Estonia introduces its e-state and e-government projects and helps to establish similar systems in Georgia, Moldova, Afghanistan, Palestine, and many other countries.

The Millennium Development Goals programme is the first large-scale programme aimed at reducing poverty, inequality and discrimination. More information on the goals that are to be fulfilled by the year 2015: http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/.

Estonia’s first development co-operation project began in 1998, and since then the Estonian Foreign Ministry has systematically developed its focus on and projects for development co-operation, along with its budget for development co-operation and humanitarian aid.

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Estonia Supports Tough Monitoring of Nuclear Developments

Thu, 06 May 2010 16:04:36 GMT

Meeting with executive secretary of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) Tibor Toth in New York, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that Estonia supports the work of the CTBTO in building up a verification regime for nuclear testing.

Paet stated that an effective monitoring system helps to achieve security regarding the appropriate use of nuclear energy and nuclear testing. “Uniting the restriction of nuclear arms and the ban on nuclear testing is necessary to increase the nuclear safety of the world, but it must happen alongside global security measures and monitoring systems being made more effective,” said Paet. “Building up the system will hopefully give additional security to nations that have not yet joined the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). It is essential that the international community would be provided with information on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy,” noted the Estonian foreign minister.

During his meeting with Toth, Paet confirmed that Estonia as a European Union member state actively supports the role of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) in restricting nuclear testing and in its monitoring work. Estonia also supports the work done to persuade countries to join the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) was opened for signing in 1996. Estonia signed the agreement and it was ratified by the Riigikogu in 1999. The treaty will come into effect six months after it has been ratified by all 44 nations that possessed nuclear capability at the time of its creation.

On Friday Paet will meet in Washington with World Bank director Robert Zoellick.

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Estonia Supports Advancing Nuclear Safety Monitoring

Wed, 05 May 2010 16:04:36 GMT

At the Review Conference on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in New York, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that the restriction of nuclear arms must take place alongside the formulation of security measures, so that transparency and security could be ensured in the civilian use of nuclear power as well.

Speaking at UN Headquarters, Paet noted that the Review Conference on Nuclear Non-Proliferation was taking place against a backdrop of positive developments in arms control in the world, but despite that we cannot allow ourselves to forget that quite a few nations have yet to join the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). “The renewed strategic arms reduction agreement between the United States and Russia is an important milestone for arms control that takes us a step closer to a safer world,” stated Paet. “However, we must be realists. This is why Estonia fully supports future nuclear security and the advancement of the monitoring systems that support it. Effective monitoring in nuclear testing and civilian use of nuclear energy is necessary,” said the Estonian foreign minister.

Paet emphasised that looking into the future, there is great potential for the civilian use of nuclear energy. “The rapid growth of the use of nuclear fuel for civilian purposes deserves support for its environmental protection aspects,” said Paet. “Energy security and battling climate change continue to be important goals. Taking into account the explosively growing interest towards peaceful uses of nuclear energy, Estonia supports the establishment of a Low Enriched Uranium bank under the control of the IAEA,” he asserted.

At the Review Conference on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty that began this week, the primary topics that will be addressed are practical measures for nuclear disarmament; nuclear non-proliferation, including the promoting and strengthening of safeguards; measures to advance the peaceful use of nuclear energy; regional issues, such as the creation of a nuclear arms-free zone; measures to address withdrawal from the Treaty; the universality of the Treaty; and promoting disarmament education in the world.

Within the framework of the NPT Review Conference, Foreign Minister Paet will meet with executive secretary of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) Tibor Toth and Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith.

On Friday Paet will meet in Washington with World Bank director Robert Zoellick.

Mission of Estonian Experts in Haiti to Last Until End of April

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 15:38:29 GMT

Due to the complicated humanitarian situation there, Estonia will soon be sending a medical worker and a mechanic to support the work of rescue teams in Haiti. According to Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet, the mission of the medical worker and mechanic will last until the end of April. “The mission of the Estonian logistics experts currently in Haiti will last until the middle of February,” said Paet.

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet emphasised that the humanitarian situation in Haiti continues to be very complicated. “In order for the aid that has been donated and that will continue to be donated to reach those in need, the international community must have close co-operation. Helping to co-ordinate aid is the goal of the Estonian logistics experts in Haiti,” stressed Paet. “At the same time, we must make plans for the reconstruction and restoration of Haiti as well,” he added.

The aid that has been given by Estonia thus far to alleviate the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti totals 5.5 million kroons (352 500 EUR). Three million kroons (192 300 EUR) are reaching Haiti in the form of our and other international experts, and 2.5 million (160 000 EUR) were donated through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

To support the aid activities of international organisations, Estonia sent two 45 m2 tents with floors, furniture and lighting to Haiti, which are needed to provide temporary living and working space for the aid workers. Estonia has also sent an IT expert and a three-member logistics team with supplies to support the activities of the international organisations in Haiti. A member of the Estonian Rescue Service was working in Haiti as part of the European Union evaluation team.

The European Commission has promised to support long-term reconstruction work in Haiti with 3.1 billion kroons (200 million EUR). The European Commission has allocated 468 million kroons (30 million EUR) for humanitarian aid in Haiti and the member states have bilaterally donated nearly 1.44 billion kroons (92 million EUR).

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Estonian Foreign Minister Keynote Speaker at Meeting of UN Economic and Social Concil

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:53:38 GMT

Estonian Foreign Minister Keynote Speaker at Meeting of UN Economic and Social Council

In his opening keynote address at the high-level meeting of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) today, 6 July, Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that unfortunately health standards all over the world are far from satisfactory and there is a great deal of work to be done before health care opportunities are sufficiently competent and accessible.

As the representative of the vice president of ECOSOC, Paet emphasised that in order to make progress in developing world health care and fulfil the Millennium Development Goals, international co-operation must be developed both in UN organisations and among governments, intergovernmental organisations, and businesses.

In his speech, Paet also gave examples of signs of progress in world health care. “Although the co-operation of the World Health Organisation and other international organisations has been successful in reducing child mortality and malnourishment, and steps have been taken towards fighting tuberculosis, HIV and malaria, the situation in sub-Saharan Africa is far from satisfactory,” said Paet. “Improving the health care situation continues to be the most complicated in conflict areas and nations with high HIV infection rates,” Paet noted.

Paet stated that child mortality is still very high in some countries. “This is also true of infant mortality and maternal death rates. Every year half a million young women die in childbirth or during pregnancy. Ninety-nine percent of these tragic occurrences take place in developing nations and could be preventable with timely treatment,” Paet added.

In talking about the global financial crisis, Foreign Minister Paet emphasised that developing nations have been the hardest hit by the crisis and their health care systems have been placed under even greater pressure. “The health care system is not merely a healing instrument,” said Paet. “Functioning health care systems help with the prevention of disease and social security, which is one of the first prerequisites for economic development and productivity,” emphasised the Estonian foreign minister, saying that the global economic crisis has made the need for better health care even more apparent than before.

To illustrate how Estonia is doing its part, Paet spoke about the development of the health care system in Helmand Province. “Our experience in Helmand shows that even in extreme circumstances, efforts can be made that significantly improve health care opportunities for local people,” Paet said about the work of the Estonian health care expert in Afghanistan.

The Economic and Social Council is the UN’s primary organ for dealing with economic and social issues. The ECOSOC’s mission is to advance economic development, the protection of human rights, and international co-operation in various social areas, as well as to co-ordinate the activities of UN special agencies, programmes and funds. The Council initiates or implements studies, offers suggestions, prepares conventions and organises international conferences. The 54 members of the ECOSOC are chosen by the UN General Assembly.

Estonia’s membership in the ECOSOC began on 1 January 2009 and will last for three years until 31 December 2011. On 15 January 2009 Estonia was chosen as a vice-president of the ECOSOC in the UN’s main headquarters in New York.

Additional information about the ECOSOC meeting in Geneva can be found at http://www.un.org/ecosoc.

Estonia Becomes Vice President of UN Economic and Social Council

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 08:00:57 GMT

Estonia was chosen to be a vice president of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) at UN Headquarters in New York on 15 January. The function of vice president will be filled by Estonia's permanent representative to the UN, Ambassador Tiina Intelmann.

The Economic and Social Council addresses many subjects that are important to Estonia, such as development co-operation, human rights, and humanitarian issues. Membership in the ECOSOC gives Estonia an opportunity to increase its visibility in the international arena, intensify relations with developing countries, and focus on the humanitarian aid sector. Estonia will also be able to continue being active in making equal rights and the advancement of the situation of women more prominent in the UN's development activities.

The Economic and Social Council is the UN's primary organ for dealing with economic and social issues. The ECOSOC's mission is to advance economic development, the protection of human rights, and international co-operation in various social areas, as well as to co-ordinate the activities of UN special agencies, programmes and funds. The Council initiates or implements studies, offers suggestions, prepares conventions and organises international conferences. The 54 members of the ECOSOC are chosen by the UN General Assembly.

In addition to Tiina Intelmann, the other vice presidents of the ECOSOC are representatives of Malaysia, El Salvador, and Mauritania.

Estonia's membership in the ECOSOC began on 1 January 2009 and will last for three years until 31 December 2011.

Estonia has also announced its candidacy to become a member of the UN Human Rights Council in 2012 and the UN Security Council in 2020.

Additional information about the ECOSOC can be found at http://www.un.org/ecosoc.

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Paet and UN Secretary-General Discuss Gaza, Georgia, Fight against Piracy

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 09:27:38 GMT

At his meeting with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in New York on the evening of Monday, 12 January, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet expressed hope that after the approval of the UN Security Council resolution on 8 January it will be possible for Gaza to establish a truce so that civilian deaths will end.

In addition to the situation in Gaza, Paet also discussed developments in Georgia, Afghanistan, Somalia and Congo, as well as Estonia's activities within the framework of the UN with the UN Secretary-General in New York.

At the meeting, Ban Ki-Moon stated that he was going on a six-day visit to the Middle East, during which he would visit eight nations with the goal of quickly achieving a lasting truce in Gaza. He said that after achieving a truce, it will be essential to focus on building up Gaza and establishing unity among the Palestinians, which would allow the peace process to move forward.

Paet also stated that the primary goals are guaranteeing the safety of civilians and that humanitarian aid has access to Gaza. Estonia has given a million kroons' worth of aid for helping to alleviate the humanitarian situation in Gaza through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. A truce would allow for border crossings to be opened and the peace process to continue, he said.

The UN Secretary-General affirmed the importance of Estonia's activities in helping Georgian reforms. Foreign Minister Paet said it is essential for the mandate of the UNOMIG (United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia), which ends in the middle of February, to be extended, because the Georgian security situation still requires the presence of international organisations. The focus must be on building Georgia up after the war and increasing security, so that the nation could continue to make democratic reforms, Paet asserted.

The issue of pirates in Somalia was also addressed at the meeting. Paet stated that the UN Security Council's decision that allows the international community to fight against pirates both in Somali waters and on the mainland is essential for limiting piracy. Unfortunately, even some Estonian residents have been in the hands of pirates. Combating piracy in co-operation with the European Union and other nations is very important for Estonia, he emphasised.

Ban Ki-moon stated that resolving Somalia's domestic political crisis also plays a major role in getting Somali piracy under control, as it would allow for the creation of a unified government.

Ban Ki-moon and Paet both emphasised the UN's role in supporting civil society and improving the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. The UN Secretary-General stated that the UN is expanding its activity in Afghanistan little by little, steadily reaching out into more provinces.

Paet asserted that Afghanistan is an essential development co-operation partner for Estonia, and Estonia is interested in the expansion of the UN mission's activities to the southern regions of Afghanistan. The presence of the UN mission in all regions of Afghanistan would improve the co-ordination of development activities and political communication, he added.

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Estonia Became Member of UN Economic and Social Council

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:33:52 GMT

Estonia was chosen to be a member of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the first time at UN headquarters in New York on Wednesday, 22 October. Estonia’s membership in ECOSOC will begin on 1 January 2009 and last for three years, until 31 December 2011.

The Economic and Social Council addresses many issues that are important to Estonia, such as development co-operation, human rights, and humanitarian issues. Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that Estonia can focus on humanitarian topics in ECOSOC, maintaining and enhancing our humanitarian aid reputation. “Our membership will also give Estonia a chance to increase its visibility in the international arena, intensify relations with developing countries, and continue being actively involved in advancing equal rights and the situation of women through UN development activities,” said the foreign minister.

The Economic and Social Council is the principal organ in the UN dealing with economic and social issues. ECOSOC is responsible for advancing economic development, human rights protection, and international co-operation in various social fields and to co-ordinate the activities of UN special agencies, programmes, and funds. The Council has the power to make or initiate studies, make recommendations, prepare conventions, and organise international conferences. ECOSOC’s 54 member states are chosen by the UN General Assembly.

Estonia has also submitted its candidacy to become a member of the UN Human Rights Council in 2012 and a member of the UN Security Council in 2020.

More information about ECOSOC can be found at: http://www.un.org/ecosoc/

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High-Level Meeting on AIDS to take place in New York on 10-11 June

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 08:06:42 GMT

The High-Level Meeting on the comprehensive review of the progress achieved in realising the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS and the Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS, adopted by the member states of the UN General Assembly, will take place in New York on 10-11 June 2008.

On 6 November 2007, the President of the General Assembly, H.E. Sgrjan Kerim nominated Ambassador Tiina Intelmann, Permanent Representative of Estonia to the UN, and Ambassador Samuel Outlule, Permanent Representative of Botswana to the UN, the co-facilitators of the preparatory process of the meeting.

Estonia is represented at the 10-11 June meeting by Ms. Maret Maripuu, Minister of Social Affairs of Estonia.

Additional information on the High-Level Meeting is available at the web site of the President of the General Assembly at http://www.un.org/ga/president/62/issues/HLMonHIV.shtml

UNAIDS web page at http://www.unaids.org/en/

EU Foreign Ministers Discuss Situation in Chad

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:31:51 GMT

On Tuesday, 25. September, Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet attended a meeting of European foreign ministers in New York, where the situation in Chad and Myanmar was discussed.

The foreign policy leaders considered steps the EU could take to resolve the humanitarian and security problems in Sudan's neighbouring countries, which have been brought about by the crisis in Darfur. The possibility of sending an EU military mission to the region was also discussed.

Foreign Minister Paet said that Estonia supports the resolution of the Darfur crisis on a larger scale and the potential EU military mission. Estonia is prepared to participate in the EU's possible military mission, if the Nordic Battlegroup (NBG) is used, said Paet.

The Darfur conflict has created a humanitarian crisis and a deterioration of security for its neighbouring states, particularly eastern Chad and the north-eastern part of the Central African Republic. The UN finds that having an international presence in eastern Chad would help to alleviate the situation. The objectives of a military mission would be to ensure the safety of the refugee camps, to create opportunities for refugees to return to their homes, and to initiate development projects.

The EU's Nordic Battlegroup is comprised of units from Estonia, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Ireland. The Battlegroup, which is led by Sweden, must be operational by 1. January, 2008.

The foreign ministers also discussed making an EU declaration in response to the events in Myanmar, stating the EU's solidarity with the people of Myanmar and calling for an end to acts of violence by authorities.

Foreign Minister Paet is participating in an EU Foreign Ministers week in New York as part of the UN's 62nd General Assembly. In addition to meetings between European Union foreign policy leaders, the traditional meetings with the United States and Russian Federation foreign ministers are also taking place. The Estonian Foreign Minister has many bilateral meetings scheduled.

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Foreign Minister Meets with Representatives from American Jewish Committee

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 09:51:35 GMT

On Tuesday, 25. September, Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet met with representatives from the American Jewish Committee (AJC) in New York.

At the meeting, it was recognized that Estonian foreign ministers have developed a steady tradition of meeting with representatives from Jewish organizations while attending the UN's General Assembly.

The AJC representatives expressed their happiness over the synagogue that was inaugurated in Tallinn in the spring of this year. The opening of the synagogue, which is built after original designs by Estonian architects, was attended by current Israeli President Shimon Peres.

Foreign Minister Paet said that Estonia's relations with Israel have become stronger recently, and he hopes that sending an Estonian diplomat to Tel Aviv in August of this year is a step towards further bolstering relations.

At the meeting, both sides also exchanged thoughts about current international events.

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Estonian Foreign Minister Meets with Vietnamese and Argentinian Counterparts

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:01:12 GMT

On Tuesday, 25. September, Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet met with his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Gia Khiem and Argentinian counterpart Roberto García Moritan in New York.

In Paet's meeting with Pham Gia Khiem, the ministers discussed implementing visa-free travel for Estonian citizens, the situation in Myanmar and supported each others' candidacy in international organizations.

According to Urmas Paet, Vietnam is quite a popular travel destination for Estonians, and allowing visa-free travel for Estonian citizens would surely boost tourism even further. Foreign Minister Khiem confirmed that he will do everything in his power to simplify Estonians' travel to Vietnam. The Estonian and Vietnamese ministers exchanged invitations for visits to each other's country.

When Paet met with his Argentinian colleague, the two discussed boosting economic relations, supporting one another's candidacy in international organizations, and co-operation in the realm of e-government.

Roberto García Moritan proposed to help a range of businesses in creating networking ties with each other and noted that Argentina plans to send a delegation of business representatives to Estonia early next year.

Since both Estonia and Argentina utilize e-government, the two ministers also discussed co-operation in the area of e-governing. Foreign Minister Paet noted that Estonia has fresh experiences in implementing e-government, and Argentina might be interested in our observations.

Foreign Minister Paet acknowledged the recent departure of Estonia's Honorary Consul from Argentina.

The Estonian and Argentinian foreign ministers also exchanged invitations to visit each other's countries.

Foreign Minister Paet is participating in an EU Foreign Ministers week in New York as part of the UN's 62nd General Assembly. In addition to meetings between European Union foreign policy leaders, the traditional meetings with the United States and Russian Federation foreign ministers are also taking place. The Estonian Foreign Minister has many bilateral meetings scheduled.

VÄLISMINISTEERIUMI PRESSITALITUS
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Foreign Minister attends Chemical Weapons Convention meeting

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 12:39:07 GMT

On Thursday, 27. September, Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet attended a high-level meeting in New York marking the 10th anniversary of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).

Foreign Minister Paet said that 182 is a considerable number of nations to have ratified the CWC. This exceptionally high number clearly proves that the convention is a successful means of arms control, Paet said. The Estonian Foreign Minister expressed hope that the nations that have not yet joined the convention will do so in the near future.

Paet finds it reassuring that more and more nations are adopting measures to control chemical weapons. Those nations that are still developing their methods of control should utilize international experience and co-operation in this area as much as possible, he noted.

The Foreign Minister also drew attention to the fact that member nations of the CWC must stay abreast of technological developments and prevent terrorists from accessing chemical weapons.

Estonia has been a member nation of the Chemical Weapons Convention since 25. June, 1999.

Press Spokesman´s Office
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Paet: UN Climate Conference Sent a Strong Political Signal

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 11:44:01 GMT

On Monday, 24 September, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet attended a high-level side event to the UN climate change conference entitled Global Voices on Climate Change.

The keynote speaker of the event was former US Vice President Al Gore, who expressed hope that an agreement could be reached regarding a new global climate treaty by 2009. Gore proposed that negotiations on the treaty should begin in 2010 and that nations should not be given the usual amount of time to conform to requirements. Gore added that until a new agreement is reached, climate change must remain a priority in the political spotlight, which should be achieved by holding high-level meetings on the subject periodically during the negotiation period.

According to Foreign Minister Paet the recent UN climate conference sent a strong political signal. The desire and conviction to act are present on the very highest level, Paet said. He added that it is in Estonia's best interests to reach a new global climate agreement as quickly as possible. Then enterprises have a clear picture of what they need to invest in to meet the new requirements, Paet noted.

In December, the UN's annual climate change conference will take place in Bali, Indonesia. At the conference, negotiations will begin on the creation of a new global climate change agreement (the follow-up pact to the Kyoto Protocol).

The Kyoto Protocol is an agreement for reducing the emission of greenhouse gases. The Protocol was negotiated in December 1997 in Kyoto, Japan, and it will expire in 2012. Estonia ratified the Kyoto Protocol on 14 October, 2002.

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Estonia Becomes Vice President of Executive Board of UN Women

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:51:53 GMT

Nr 19-E

Estonia was chosen to be the vice president of the UN Entity for Gender Equality (UN Women) for the year 2012.

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that promoting and protecting human rights is an important part of Estonia’s foreign policy. “Internationally we have concentrated our attention specifically on protecting the rights of women and children as well as the rights of indigenous peoples,” said Paet.

UN Women addresses women’s rights and equality issues all over the world and implements concrete programmes for improving the situation of women in developing countries. “Estonia feels it is important to continue working so that the agency can fulfil all the expectations that have been placed on it. It is essential to support the activities of UN Women, therefore we have allocated 25 000 euros to support the agency in 2012,” he added.

Paet also noted that improving the situation of women in many countries cannot fall solely on the shoulders of the agency. “Therefore we hope that UN Women can create a greater focus on gender equality and women’s rights in the UN’s activities in general,” he stated.

UN Women was created in 2011 and there are 41 countries in the agency’s executive board. In 2012 the president of the UN Women executive board is South Korea and the vice presidents are Spain, Estonia, Nigeria, and Peru. Executive board meetings take place three times a year.

Estonia Becomes Vice President of UNICEF Executive Board

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:39:52 GMT

No. 14-E

Last week Estonia was chosen to be the vice president of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for the year 2012.

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that Estonia feels it is important to actively participate in shaping international humanitarian and development co-operation policy. “As the vice president of UNICEF we can increase our visibility in the international arena and address issues that are important to Estonia, such as improving the situation of children and protecting their rights,” he said.

The foreign minister noted that in 2011 Estonia supported UNICEF’s work helping children in various parts of the world with a total of 272 000 euros. “We have supported the UN Girls’ Education Initiative and allocated money to alleviate the suffering of children in Afghanistan, Côte d'Ivoire, Yemen, and Somalia. For example, in Afghanistan we helped to ensure that Afghan children’s school year could continue uninterrupted during the winter months,” he stated. The foreign minister added that Estonia will continue to support UNICEF this year.

The goal of the UNICEF Executive Board is to monitor situations and make decisions so that the organisation could function as efficiently as possible and the needs and interests of the countries receiving aid would be protected.

In 2012 the president of the UNICEF Executive Board will be Antigua and Barbuda, and the vice presidents in addition to Estonia are Finland, Kenya, and Kazakhstan. There are 36 countries on the UNICEF Executive Board. The board holds sessions three times a year, with this year’s first session taking place from 7-10 February. The other sessions will be held in June and September.

SPOKESPERSON’S OFFICE
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Young Estonians Eligible to Apply for Work in UN

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 12:51:30 GMT

No. 245-E

This year Estonia is participating in the United Nations (UN) Young Professionals Programme, through which new workers are recruited into one of the world’s largest international organisations. This time the UN is asking for applicants from various countries around the world, including Estonia, who are until the age of 32 and have a university degree.

All Estonian citizens who are born after 1 January 1979 can apply for positions in the international organisation. Requirements for applicants are at least a first-level university degree and fluency in English or French. Prior work experience is not required. This year applicants can apply for positions in the administration, humanitarian affairs, public information, and statistics sectors.

Applications will be accepted until 10 September 2011. After the applications have been reviewed, suitable candidates will be invited to take an examination and attend an interview. The written examination will take place on 7 December 2011. Those who are most successful in the exam will be invited to the interview round, and success in the interview stage will lead to a job offer in the UN Secretariat, subordinate organisations, funds or missions.

The Estonian Foreign Ministry and Estonian Permanent Representation to the UN recommend all young people who are interested in working in the UN to fill out an application to participate. The last time this opportunity was made available was 15 years ago.

Additional information on applying to the UN:
https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=NCE
http://www.facebook.com/UN.Careers
http://twitter.com/un_careers
http://linkd.in/un_careers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-MEIkzPMmE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0pmqenzppc

SPOKESPERSON’S OFFICE
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Estonia Established Diplomatic Relations with Tuvalu and Solomon Islands

Fri, 27 May 2011 15:30:36 GMT

Nr 193–E

On Wednesday, 25 May, Estonian Ambassador to the UN Margus Kolga signed joint communiqués with Ambassador of Solomon Islands to the UN Collin D. Beck and Ambassador of Tuvalu to the UN Afelee F. Pita, with which diplomatic relations were established between Estonia and Solomon Islands as well as Estonia and Tuvalu.

After establishing diplomatic relations, the ambassadors spoke about co-operation opportunities between the European Union and Pacific nations as well as development co-operation. The ambassadors introduced their respective countries’ interests within the UN. They also addressed climate change, including the concerns of Pacific island nations regarding the rising ocean level and the consequent flood risk in island countries.

Solomon Islands is an island nation of the Oceania region located in Melanesia, which consists of about a thousand islands. Its surface area is 27 556 km2 and the population is around 539 000. The country’s capital is Honiara and the official language is English. Solomon Islands gained its independence in 1978.

Tuvalu is an island nation in Polynesia, located to the east of Solomon Islands. Its surface area is 26 km2 and the country has over 11 000 inhabitants. The country’s capital is Funafuti and the official languages are Tuvaluan and English. Tuvalu was known as the Ellice Islands until 1975 and was a British colony until 1978.

Photos from the establishing of diplomatic relations with Tuvalu and Solomon Islands:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/estonian-foreign-ministry/

SPOKESPERSON'S OFFICE
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UN Development Aid System to Become More Effective and Agency for Gender Equality and Women’s Rights to Be Created As Result of Estonia-Led Negotiations

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 18:57:52 GMT

Yesterday, 2 July, the UN General Assembly approved a decision that contains steps for making the UN’s development aid system more effective and will give a significant boost to achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals. Intense negotiations to reach an agreement among UN member states, which were led by the Estonian and Tunisian ambassadors, went on for six months.

^{“I believe that we achieved the best possible outcome,” said Estonian Ambassador to the UN Tiina Intelmann. “Negotiations among 192 parties are always complicated, but fortunately all the member states agree that major efforts must be made in the next five years in order to achieve the Development Goals.”
The importance of the agreement was also noted by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, who emphasised that this decision by the UN General Assembly is a brave achievement that begins a new era. “I am very pleased that the negotiations led by the Estonian and Tunisian ambassadors were carried out in an inclusive, transparent and effective manner,” the UN secretary general said.
The decision of 2 July created a UN agency that will begin to address women’s rights and gender equality issues more extensively, while also implementing active and clearly targeted programmes for improving the situation of women in developing countries. “Several international studies have shown that insufficient attention to women’s health, education, and place in society is a significant hindrance to the development of many of the least economically successful nations,” explained the Estonian ambassador to the UN.
The decision also took a critical look at the functioning of the entire UN development aid system, creating better opportunities for developing nations to receive development aid through UN funds and programmes in accordance with the nation’s own development actions plans and guaranteeing them more comprehensive opportunities to join in the discussions of UN decision-making bodies. Another goal is to save some money on the management of programmes.
The UN Millennium Development Goals were established in the year 2000 and contain concrete goals to be reached by the year 2015. The goals include various aspects of reducing poverty, including guaranteeing basic education, resolving health care and environmental problems, and promoting gender equality. The UN Millennium Development Goals have become the backbone for international development co-operation in the activities of developing countries, donor countries, and international organisations.

A mid-term review of the fulfilment of the Millennium Development Goals will be made at the UN summit taking place in New York in September 2011.}

Estonia Helps to Rebuild Haiti

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:56:10 GMT

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet underlined the dedication of international community at the International Donors’ Conference Towards a New Future for Haiti in New York, and pledged 100 000 US dollars for the long-term recovery of Haiti. The new funds will be channelled through Worldbank’s Multi-Donor Trust Fund and UNICEF’s child protection programmes.

The Haiti Donors’ Conference was hosted by the United States and the United Nations, in cooperation with the Government of Haiti, and with the support of Brazil, Canada, the European Union, France, and Spain. According to the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment put together by the government of Haiti, the total cost of earthquake damage is 120% of Haiti’s GDP. It is the largest damages ever measured to a country caused by a natural disaster.

After the devastating earthquake of January 12, Estonia immediately responded to Haiti’s request for help and contributed through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), as well as sent an IT-expert, a team of logistics and medical staff. Estonian experts were dispatched to Haiti in the framework of the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP). One member of Estonian Disaster Relief Team (EDRT) was sent to Haiti as a member of the EU evaluation team to coordinate incoming aid flows. Estonia was cooperating with Haiti already before the catastrophe. Last year Estonian experts, with the support of the Soros Foundation, were advising the government of Haiti on the development of an electronic-governance system, or “e-governance”. Estonian experts will continue to help drafting Haiti’s first strategy paper and action plan on “e-governance”. All in all, Estonia has contributed nearly half a million US dollars for alleviating the aftermath of the earthquake.

Ms. Tiina Intelmann, Permanent Representative of Estonia, is a co-facilitator of the UN System-Wide Coherence process

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:30:43 GMT

On 25 November 2009, the President of the General Assembly appointed Her Excellency Mrs. Tiina Intelmann, Permanent Representative of Estonia, and His. Excellency Mr. Ghazi Jomaa, Permanent Representative of Tunisia, as Co-Facilitators to continue the consultative process on the System-wide Coherence in the course of the 64th session.

On 2 October 2009, the General Assembly adopted a resolution on Sytem-wide coherence (A/RES/63/311) which took up five key areas of concern: strengthening the institutional arrangements for support of gender equality and women’s empowerment; strengthening governance of operational activities for development of the United Nations system; improving the funding system of operational activities for development of the United Nations system; “delivering as one”; and harmonization of business practices.

http://www.un.org/ga/president/64/issues/swc.shtml

Estonian officers serving in Iraq awarded NATO medals

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 14:20:27 GMT

TALLINN, Jan 23, BNS - Estonian officers serving at the NATO training mission in Iraq were handed over NATO crisis regulation medals at a festive ceremony at the mission headquarters on Thursday.

Handing over the medals to Col. German Kesa and Cmdr. Ingrid Muhling, Lt. Gen. Frank Helmick, commander of the NATO training mission and of the development headquarters of the international Iraqi security forces, said that the importance of NATO in building up the Iraqi security forces was increasing and that Iraqi officials highly valued the NATO training mission.

Kolonel Kesa serves as deputy chief of staff of the NATO training mission with logistic, communications, personnel and financial operations under his supervision.

Besides, Gen. Babaker Zebari, commander of the joint staff of Iraqi armed forces, recognized Cmdr. Muhling with a letter of thanks.

Col. Kesa said that the past six months had been of critical importance both for the mission and for the Iraqi security forces. "We have been parties in handing over responsibility to Iraqi authorities. The role of both the NATO training mission in Iraq and the role of countries is changing; and we must establish in cooperation with Iraqi security forces in what spheres Iraqi power structures need our assistance most," he said.

Estonian officers have been taking part in the NATO training mission in Iraq since 2005. Maj. Jaak Tammisto is now serving as head of the administration of the mission, and Maj. Ulo Isberg is starting his service as public relations chief.

The NATO training mission is the only NATO operation in Iraq. The aim of the 200-strong mission is to develop and support an independent and sustainbale Iraqi army, above all military educational institutions and command centres as well as those subordinated to the Interior Ministry.

In addition to training and consultancy the mission also coordinates support in terms of resources and accoutrement necessary for the training of the Iraqi security forces.

Tallinn newsroom, +372 610 8810, sise@bns.ee

Estonia could become the world country with lowest corruption level -- EU commissioner

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 14:21:37 GMT

TALLINN, Jan 23, BNS - Vice-President of the European Commission Siim Kallas said Estonia could set itself the aim of climbing to the top of the corruption perception index in the world and in the European Union.

Kallas said at a conference on the media and corruption organized by the Estonian Newspaper Association in Tallinn on Friday that it was not such a mad idea as it might look.

Kallas said that Estonia needed something positive in order to stand out, the preconditions for working in the name of that aim existed and besides the budgetary revenues were not of a size worth mentioning.

"Quite a few times the issue has been discussed in various groups what Estonia's positive initiative in the European Union could be. We do not only have abuse of Russia by which we can stand out internationally," he said.

Kallas stated that there was no corruptive culture in Estonia. He said that the summary of the European Union's corruption study, which refers to "a possible corruption free culture, Estonia's advantage in its fight against corruption ahead of several Central and East European countries," allowed making such a statement.

Kallas pointed out that Estonia was ranked 27th in the corruption perception index of Transparency International. Of Estonia's neighbors, Finland is No 5 and Sweden No 1. Russia, one of the most corrupt countries, ranks 147th and also Latvia with its 52nd ranking is not in a very good position.

"We stand in the point of collision, intersection and influence of different business cultures. There are 12 countries of the European Union, including Slovenia, ahead of us and 14 countries coming behind us," Kallas said.

He said that comparing the situation in EU member countries within the limits of his competence, he dared to see Estonia not in the worst light.

Tallinn newsroom, +372 610 8862, sise@bns.ee

Barroso to visit Estonia on Feb. 23

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 07:46:53 GMT

TALLINN, Jan 22, BNS - European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso will make a one-day visit to Estonia at the invitation of Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves on Feb. 23.

Toomas Sildam, spokesman for the Estonian head of state, told BNS on Thursday that the details of the meeting and the topics to be discussed are being agreed.

"It's clear that there will be no shortage of topics at the meeting of Barroso and Ilves," Sildam said.

According to unconfirmed reports Ilves will confer on Barroso a high Estonian decoration.

"The president has not decided about who will be decorated yet. Under law the president must endorse the list two weeks before Independence Day at the latest," Sildam said.

Last year the president published the list of people decorated with Estonian orders on the occasion of the Feb. 24 Independence Day on Feb. 6.

Tallinn newsroom, +372 610 8862, sise@bns.ee

Estonia's objectives under Czech EU presidency are euro, energy

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 07:47:31 GMT

TALLINN, Jan 22, BNS - The government today confirmed the objectives of Estonia during the Czech presidency of the European Union which include readiness for the adoption of the common euro currency and energy security, among other things.

The Czech Republic has identified three E's -- economy, energy and Europe in the world, in particular the development of the bloc's eastern partnership and transatlantic relations -- as the key issues of its presidency.

Estonia sees accession to the euro zone and streamlining the implementation of EU structural funds as prerequisites of creating an environment supportive of economic development. The country aims to be ready for the switch to the euro by 2010.

Another subject of great importance to Estonia is energy security that should be taken into consideration in the making of all other decisions, the government said.

For bolstering domestic security, Estonia is interested in the formulation of a general information technology strategy during the Czech presidency with account of the need to ensure central administration of large-scale information systems and consistent development.

The European Neighborhood Policy and development of measures to strengthen it are also included in Estonia's objectives.

Tallinn newsroom, +372 610 8822, majandus@bns.ee

Estonia to no longer send combat unit to Iraq

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 09:48:45 GMT

TALLINN, Jan 22, BNS - Estonia will not send another infantry unit on a mission to Iraq but will continue taking part in the NATO training mission there, Defense Minister Jaak Aaviksoo told the government on Thursday.

One of the reasons for the discontinuation of the mission is that Estonia failed to reach agreement with the Iraqi government on the accord concerning the status of the troops.

Thus the next Estonian infantry unit, ESTPLA-18, will not be deployed in Iraq. Estonia will continue taking part in the NATO training mission in Iraq with three staff officers, spokespeople for the Defense Ministry said.

Defense cooperation between Estonia and Iraq will continue in other forms in accordance with a bilateral agreement that is now being drafted.

Aaviksoo said there were three reasons why the mission in its present form was ended. The first is the stabilization in the security situation in Iraq.

"The second is that according to the Riigikogu mandate, concluding an agreement on the legal status of our soldiers was a prerequisite for the continuation of Estonia in Iraq, on which it is not possible in the light of the decision by the Iraqi parliament to reach an agreement satisfying both sides," said the minister.

The third reason is that the Iraqi government has clearly expressed the wish to continue bilateral defense cooperation in a non-combat form.

Aaviksoo will head to Iraq soon to officially end the mission of Estonian troops in a ceremony. He will also meet with Iraq's Defense Minister Abdul Al-Qadir Jassam to discuss the future of defense cooperation between the countries.

The Estonian defense forces have been taking part in the mission in Iraq since June 2003.

The Iraqi government has turned to the United Kingdom, Australia, Romania, El-Salvador and Estonia with a request to continue military cooperation also after the UN mandate for the coalition troops ended at the end of last year.

The previous Estonian combat unit, the 34-strong ESTPLA-17, returned from Iraq shortly before Christmas. ESTPLA-18 is manned and has been in readiness for deployment.

On Dec. 17 last year the Estonian parliament voted to extend the mission for Estonian troops in Iraq until the end of 2009 on the condition that Iraq will file a corresponding request and either a troop status accord will be signed or a UN resolution adopted on continued foreign troop presence in Iraq.

Tallinn newsroom, +372 610 8814, sise@bns.ee

Govt backs Estonia's continuation on Middle East mission

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 09:49:51 GMT

TALLINN, Jan 22, BNS - The Estonian government on Thursday gave its nod to a bill that will extend the participation of Estonian military observers in the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) mission in the Middle East until the end of next year.

According to the bill forwarded to the parliament, Estonia would continue participating in the United Nations' military monitoring mission in Lebanon, Israel, Egypt and Syria with up to five defense forces personnel, spokespeople for thr Estonian Defense Ministry told BNS.

Participation this year is budgeted to cost 2.2 million kroons. Capt. Margus Aas and Capt. Georg Linkov of Estonia currently serve on one-year missions with UNTSO.

The existing parliamentary mandate expires on Feb. 22.

As of last summer more than 150 monitors from a host of countries were deployed with UNTSO.

Estonian observers have been deployed in Israel and Syria as part of UNTSO since 1997.

(EUR 1 = EEK 15.65)

Tallinn newsroom, +372 610 8862, sise@bns.ee

Estonian govt endorses natl defense development plan

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 12:10:51 GMT

TALLINN, Jan 22, BNS - The government here on Thursday gave its nod to the development plan of national defense for 2009-2018 that among other things calls for the purchase of transport helicopters and the creation of armored units, along with preservation of the present model of conscript service.

The plan sets out the main directions of development of military national defense, key development projects and the main investments for the next decade, spokespeople the Defense Ministry have said.

Drawn up in collaboration between the Defense Ministry and the General Staff, the development plan is in conformity with the strategic threat assessment and addresses the gaps in capabilities that have been identified.

The areas to be developed as priority areas are participation in foreign missions and interoperability with NATO, along with the development of corresponding units; development of command, communications, reconnaissance and surveillance systems; developing of the Amari air base; creating of mobile medium-range air defense to a limited extent, and further developing of short-range air defense.

The development plan also calls for the further development of an infantry brigade kept in high readiness, including the creation of armored units using tanks or armored personnel carriers.

It envisages the acquisition of fast boats for the defense of territorial waters and of transport helicopters, further developing of anti-tank capabilities, of the Kaitseliit volunteer corps, and increasing financing for the latter.

The number of professional military would be raised by about 125 people annually and the present model of conscript service preserved.

By the end of the period the size of the war-time operational structure of the defense forces would increase from the present 16,000 personnel to around 25,000 personnel, to which units formed on the basis of Kaitseliit will be added.

Fulfilment of the development plan presumes increasing the share of military spending to two percent of GDP by 2010 and keeping it there after that.

The development plan would be reviewed every four years.

Tallinn newsroom, +372 610 8814, sise@bns.ee

Italy's secretary of state for foreign affairs to come to Estonia Thursday

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 14:14:11 GMT

TALLINN, Jan 21, BNS - The Italian secretary of state for foreign affairs, Alfredo Mantica, is about to visit Estonia from Jan. 22-23, spokespeople for the Estonian Foreign Ministry said.

Mantica has meetings scheduled with Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet, Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Harri Tiido, and political director of the Foreign Ministry Clyde Kull.

The topics of discussion will primarily be related to bilateral relations, but will also include European Union enlargement, European Neighborhood Policy and Eastern Partnership, and the Mediterranean Union.

Other topics to be addressed are European security and energy policy, Italy's presidency of the G8, and issues in the Middle East, the spokespeople added.

Tallinn newsroom, +372 610 8814, sise@bns.ee

Estonia parlt panel chief says boosting size of Afghanistan contingent possible

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 07:44:13 GMT

TALLINN, Jan 20, BNS - If the troop status agreement with Iraq is not signed, Estonia will increase its contribution to some other mission abroad, probably in Afghanistan, chairman of the parliamentary national defense committee Mati Raidma said on Tuesday.

A delegation from the Estonian Ministry of Defense is currently holding talks with the Iraqi government on the troop status accord that would make it possible for Estonian military to continue serving in Iraq now that the UN mandate has ended.

Defense Minister Jaak Aaviksoo said last week that the accord will be signed in the coming few weeks.

Raidma, MP from the ruling Reform Party, would not offer any guesses as to what the outcome of the negotiations would be, adding that the result will be announced after the talks have ended.

Arising from Estonia's international commitments the country must increase its input in some other mission should no new Estonian unit head to Iraq. That, of course, requires the parliament's mandate, he added.

"The Ministry of Defense, the government and the General Staff will start dealing with this," Raidma said.

Estonia has taken a commitment to keep 250 defense forces personnel on foreign missions.

While a mission in Africa is a possibility, in greatest probability it will be Afghanistan, he said. In such case the parliament must change the mandate concerning Afghanistan.

There are 140 Estonian personnel deployed in Afghanistan now.

The parliament last year extended the Afghanistan mission of the Estonian defense forces until Dec. 31, 2009 and increased the contingent's maximum size from 150 to 170 personnel. Estonia is about to send a team of air intercept controllers and a team specializing in the fight against improvised explosive devices to Afghanistan.

The previous Estonian infantry unit, the 34-strong ESTPLA-17, returned from Iraq shortly before Christmas. ESTPLA-18 is manned and ready for deployment, waiting for the outcome of the negotiations on the accord setting out the legal status of the Estonian troops.

Some promises have to be sacrificed for euro - Estonian minister

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 07:45:07 GMT

BRUSSELS, Jan 20, BNS - Estonia needs to carry out structural reforms and abandon some political promises to meet the criteria for adoption of the euro, Finance Minister Ivari Padar said on Tuesday.

"Today we should deal with the structural reforms that will directly influence fiscal policy in the years 2011-2013," Padar, who was attending an EU finance ministers meeting in Brussels, told BNS.

Padar said he was referring to administrative reform, but also the social policy and reforms concerning the financing of health care.

The finance minister said that for drafting of the budget for 2010 laws need to be changed, and in addition the very cemented political promises will have to be reviewed in the context of 2009.

Padar highlighted the fear that meeting of the Maastricht criterion as regards fiscal deficit may be jeopardized by the debt burden of local governments.

"When we speak about government sector deficit -- and the Maastrict criterion is about government sector deficit -- then it's the state budget together with local governments. It is very important for local governments to be statesmanly in this kind of crunch and pre-election situation," he said.

According to an Eurostat survey published at the end of last year loans of local governments in Estonia make up a larger part of the government sector debt burden than in any other EU member state. Central government debt accounts for about 25 percent and debts of local government for about 75 percent of the country's total debt. Much of the rest of the EU has a local government debt burden making up around 20 percent of total debt, the next after Estonia being Luxembourg with a ratio of 30 percent.

According to a forecast published by the European Commission on Monday, Estonia's government sector debt in 2008 amounted to 4.3 percent of GDP. If the current policy continues it is set to grow to 6.1 percent of GDP in 2009 and to 7.6 percent in 2010.

Tallinn newsroom, +372 610 8862, sise@bns.ee

Estonian troops in successful battle in Afghanistan

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 09:42:37 GMT

TALLINN, Jan 19, BNS - Estonian military personnel serving in southern Afghanistan carried out a successful combat operation in the past week, suffering no losses.

In the operation conducted in the area of Nawa to the south of Helmand's regional capital Lashkar Gah, the Estonian unit attacked Taliban positions assisted by indirect fire support and air support, making the enemy retreat, military spokespeople in Tallinn said.

"When we came into contact it could be seen that we're dealing with a highly motivated and disciplined enemy and that dealing with him will not be easy. Despite that the unit managed to suppress the enemy and make him retreat," Lt. Juri Pajuste, the Estonian commander in the battle, said.

Pajuste hailed his men's good training and high motivation as the reasons that made success possible.

The purpose of the operation was to ensure the region's security.

With indirect fire support from its own mortar unit and support from attack aircraft, the Estonian unit attacked enemy positions. As a result of the battle that lasted until sunset, the Estonian unit moved through Taliban positions and cleansed the areas formerly controlled by the enemy. The Estonians didn't suffer any losses.

The Estonian contingent in southern Afghanistan is deployed as part of the British led Helmand battle group. For the present Estonian contingent service in Afghanistan began in November.

Estonia has been taking part in the NATO-led operation in Afghanistan since 2003. There are about 150 Estonian personnel serving in Afghanistan right now.

Tallinn newsroom, +372 610 8832, sise@bns.ee

EU forecast: Estonian economy to fall 4.7 pct this year

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 12:13:19 GMT

TALLINN, Jan 19, BNS - In its recent economic overview of the European Union (EU) the European Commission has forecast Estonia's economic fall at 4.7 percent in 2009.

The Commission forecasts that the economic fall in 2008 would be more than two percent, 2.4 percent, to be precise.

The European Commission forecast economic growth for Estonia in 2010, when the gross domestic product of the country is going to rise by 1.2 percent.

Last fall the EU forecast Estonia's economic fall at 1.3 percent and the fall in 2009 at 1.2 percent. The EU then forecast the growth by 2 percent in Estonia's gross domestic product in 2010.

According to the recent broadcast consumption of the private sector will decline by 3.4 percent this year.

Estonia's export should decline by 1.6 percent and import by 3.2 percent this year. Next year, growth in export and import is expected at respectively 1.5 and 0.5 percent.

In the recent forecast the number of persons gainfully employed will contract by 4 percent, much higher than the 1.8 percent of the fall forecast.

According to the new forecast the level of unemployment in Estonia will grow to 8.8 percent this year and 9.7 percent next year; the earlier forecasts were 6.7 and 7.7 percent respectively.

The harmonized consumer price index will this year rise by 3.2 percent and next year by 2.7 percent. The earlier forecast was respectively 4.9 percent and 3.3 percent.

The forecast shortfall of the state budget with respect to GDP will be 1.6 percent this year and 1.3 percent this year. For 2008 the European Union forecast the Estonian shortfall at 2.8 percent.

Tallinn newsroom, +372 610 8875, majandus@bns.ee

Estonia gets vice presidency of UN council

Sat, 17 Jan 2009 08:38:33 GMT

TALLINN, Jan 17, BNS - Estonia was elected a vice president of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) at the Jan. 15 session of the body.

The duties of vice president will be performed by Estonia's permanent representative at the United Nations, Ambassador Tiina Intelmann, the press service of the Foreign Ministry said.

The council deals with several issues of importance to Estonia, such as development cooperation, human rights and humanitarian questions.

Membership in ECOSOC gives Estonia an opportunity to increase its visibility in the international arena, forge closer ties with developing countries and focus on the sphere of humanitarian aid. The country will also be able to continue active efforts to bring equality and improvement of women's situation into sharper focus in development activities of the UN, the ministry said.

ECOSOC is the world organization's principal body for promoting economic development, protection of human rights and international cooperation in social affairs and for coordinating the activity of UN special agencies, programs and funds. The council initiates and conducts research, gives recommendations, prepares conventions and organizes international conferences. The 54 members of ECOSOC are elected by the UN General Assembly.

The other vice presidents of ECOSOC come from Malaysia, El Salvador and Mauritania.

Estonia's membership in ECOSOC started on Jan. 1 and runs for three years.

Estonia has also made a bid for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council starting from 2012 and the Security Council from 2020.

Tallinn newsroom, +372 610 8832, sise@bns.ee