8 September 2011 (BNS)

If the European Union launches a civilian mission for the rebuilding of Libya, Estonia is prepared to take part in it with its experts, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said. At its Thursday session the foreign affairs committee of the Estonian parliament discussed the future of the Middle East peace process and the situation in Libya.

Paet, who took part in the Thursday session, said that although the backbone of Gaddafi's regime had been broken, it was first necessary to end the civil war and violence in the country. The foreign minister said that it was necessary to rapidly start rebuilding Libya. Paet said that the leading role in it belonged to the United Nations, but also the European Union had an important role.

As the most important spheres of reconstruction, Paet mentioned rebuilding of state structures, preparation for elections, arms control, rebuilding of the border guard and the police and control over the movement of money. "If the EU decides to launch a civilian mission in Libya, Estonia could take part in it," the foreign minister said.

As possible spheres of contribution Paet mentioned building up the border guard, in which Estonia has a respective experience, as well as building up the financial structure. "Participations depends on where the Estonian contribution is wanted," he said.

The foreign affairs committee meeting also addressed the Middle East peace process. Paet said that it was of decisive importance that the resolution on the issue of Palestine planned for passing at the forthcoming session of the UN General Assembly would not become an obstacle to the continuation of talks between Israel and Palestine. Estonia will form its final point of view after the draft of the resolution has been drawn up.