Address by Mr. Urmas Paet Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia to the Riigikogu on behalf of the Government of Estonia
20 June 2005
Honourable Ms.Chairman,
Respected Members of the Riigikogu,
The debating of the Estonian and Russian border treaties in the Riigikogu has given me the opportunity to address you for the fourth time already. Although, according to existing parliamentary procedures, the active role is still in the hands of the Riigikogu, despite the fact that the debates have lasted for several weeks. The Government can only express its position, which we have done. We have not made any promises to anyone in the name of the Riigikogu. When conversing with the Russian part, we stated, in answer to the Russian representatives’ query, only, that the Government does not plan to add to the border treaties any declarations of its own, and will quickly pass the treaties on for parliamentary processing. And that is what the Government has done.
The decision will be made by you. The draft before the Riigikogu is based upon a five-fraction joint initiative. The total number of their members is clearly greater than the required 68 votes.
As we all know, at the Estonian and Russian foreign ministers’ meeting in November 1996, the historical-legal theme was removed from the text of the border treaties, since the parties were then unable, as they are unable today, to find common ground concerning these matters. The text of the draft reflects this existing actuality in the relationship between the two states.
By formulating a preamble for the ratification act, the Riigikogu has wanted to place the two treaties with Russia, both of which are of a technical nature, into the general context of Estonian statehood and foreign policy. At the same time, the Riigikogu has, hereby, not created any unilateral additional terms, or anything else, which could be construed as being conditional factors, or as being attempts to influence the contents of the treaties. Estonia is ratifying the border treaties exactly as they were signed, and is not presenting any unilateral demands concerning any one of their provisions. In this sense, we are clearly following the international practice of avoiding all kinds of political declarations that would burden a treaty.
The draft (of the ratification act) is based upon already existing official Estonian legislation -- the Constitution and other documents. These are all in force today and will continue to be after the border treaties become effective. The draft makes a clear reference to the permanence of our positions concerning the continuity of the state, bringing forth essential aspects of this matter, and referring to various relevant documents from previous decades.
Thus, mention is made, in the Riigikogu’s draft, of the Constitution, that was adopted in 1992, as a general confirmation of the continuity of the Republic of Estonia that was declared on 24 February 1918.
Reference is made, in the draft, to the 20 August 1991 Supreme Council decision concerning the restoration of independence. The restoration of Estonian independence was a peaceful process, in which, use was made of legal means, step by step, throughout the transition period. Thus, the making of the decision, upon which was based the rest of the world’s recognition of the restoration of our independence, fell upon the shoulders of this transitional period assembly. Russia also recognised Estonia’s restored independence, and established diplomatic relations, by referring to this very document confirming the legal continuity of the Republic of Estonia.
In the preamble, reference is also made to the Riigikogu’s 7 October 1992 decision, which, in essence, summarised the process of restoring constitutional rule, as well as concretely and clearly established positions concerning the illegality of the Soviet occupation, and the legal continuity of the Republic of Estonia.
In the preamble, mention is made of the 2 February 1920 Tartu Peace Treaty, which, in Art. III Section 1 establishes the borderline being partially changed.
The question of the state’s continuity, and the whole ring of historical-legal problems, is of extreme significance for Estonia from both domestic and foreign policy, as well as international legal order standpoint. I have repeatedly spoken about these matters from this very podium.
Honourable Riigikogu,
The Foreign Ministry has been keeping other states informed about the ratification process of the border treaties. We are pleased to note that, abroad, there is general support for Estonia’s decision to promptly begin ratifying the border treaties. Our positions are clear, the continuity of Estonia’s foreign policy is clear; our close cooperation with our allies and partners in NATO and the European Union is a functioning endeavour. The reaction of our friends and allies to the signing of the border treaties has been heartening. On the heads of state and government level, the European Council also expressed its pleasure, a couple of days ago, over the signing of the Estonian-Russian border treaties. Now is not a time for surprises and political party games. Estonia has to function in an environment, in which our willingness to compromise on the matter of the course of the borderline is strongly supported. And, at the same time, it is well known, that the rejecting of anything already agreed upon would not be supported.
As foreign minister, I must express my concern over the fact that, in addition to the sensible and informed debate surrounding the border treaties and their ratification, emotional and factually inaccurate opinions have also been expressed in Estonia during the last few months.
The development of Estonian and Russian relations is an essential part of Estonian diplomacy. And to be successful in this particular sphere, it is important to be as professional and pragmatic as possible, as well as to thoroughly consider all pertinent factors. Some Estonian political circles, primarily those not represented in parliament, would like to see a never-ending escalation of tensions with Russia, as well as, in essence, a rejection of the NATO and European Union partnership policy concerning Russia, of the seeking of normal neighbourly relations. It is amazing to see how they are advising the Estonian Government not to conclude any treaties with Russia. Incidentally, Russian extremist circles are making similar recommendations, and insisting to their government, that nothing should be signed or ratified with Estonia.
I would like to stress that, we are, naturally, concluding the border treaties in our interests, not just to please the rest of the world. But, on the other hand, it is expected, that a nation, which, as part of NATO and the European Union, participates in the making of world significant decisions, would possess political sophistication, professionalism, and the ability to assess political realities.
Honourable Riigikogu,
During the last few weeks, there has been a lot of talk in this house, and elsewhere, about Setumaa’s development problems. As of the restoration of independence, these questions have been dealt with constantly, and many solutions have been formulated. The prime minister and other Government representatives have informed you about a number of new measures. An appropriate commission of experts is presently defining its recommendations. Their extensive project is in the process of being coordinated by various relevant government agencies.
Meanwhile, there have been resolute requests, that a concrete amount be named, which will be spent there. The development of Setumaa is in need of very extensive attention, as well as constant analysing and solving of various problems. It would be wrong to focus attention upon just a one-time amount, since there is need of a long-time process.
The present Government is of the opinion, that the Setumaa action plan is a long-time project that must have constant financial backing. But it is also important, that with each new Government assuming office, on-going programmes should not be forgotten, or be left without financing. Unfortunately, the administering of Estonia has clearly lacked consistency, and a willingness to carry on with sensible endeavours initiated by the previous Government -- everyone wants to start from scratch.
On June 30, there will again be a debate concerning the financing of Setumaa’s needs, and the general public will be kept thoroughly informed about the development of all programmes. Many of Setumaa’s problems are not the result of the border or the border treaties, but rather, of this particular area’s general lack of development.
Respected Riigikogu,
At some point, everything concerning the border treaties will have been said, which means that, previous topics will just be rehashed. The Riigikogu consists of those who have been elected with the mandate to make decisions, and who have the desire and courage to assume responsibility. The Government of the Republic calls upon the Riigikogu to ratify the border treaties with Russia.
Thank you
Honourable Ms.Chairman,
Respected Members of the Riigikogu,
The debating of the Estonian and Russian border treaties in the Riigikogu has given me the opportunity to address you for the fourth time already. Although, according to existing parliamentary procedures, the active role is still in the hands of the Riigikogu, despite the fact that the debates have lasted for several weeks. The Government can only express its position, which we have done. We have not made any promises to anyone in the name of the Riigikogu. When conversing with the Russian part, we stated, in answer to the Russian representatives’ query, only, that the Government does not plan to add to the border treaties any declarations of its own, and will quickly pass the treaties on for parliamentary processing. And that is what the Government has done.
The decision will be made by you. The draft before the Riigikogu is based upon a five-fraction joint initiative. The total number of their members is clearly greater than the required 68 votes.
As we all know, at the Estonian and Russian foreign ministers’ meeting in November 1996, the historical-legal theme was removed from the text of the border treaties, since the parties were then unable, as they are unable today, to find common ground concerning these matters. The text of the draft reflects this existing actuality in the relationship between the two states.
By formulating a preamble for the ratification act, the Riigikogu has wanted to place the two treaties with Russia, both of which are of a technical nature, into the general context of Estonian statehood and foreign policy. At the same time, the Riigikogu has, hereby, not created any unilateral additional terms, or anything else, which could be construed as being conditional factors, or as being attempts to influence the contents of the treaties. Estonia is ratifying the border treaties exactly as they were signed, and is not presenting any unilateral demands concerning any one of their provisions. In this sense, we are clearly following the international practice of avoiding all kinds of political declarations that would burden a treaty.
The draft (of the ratification act) is based upon already existing official Estonian legislation -- the Constitution and other documents. These are all in force today and will continue to be after the border treaties become effective. The draft makes a clear reference to the permanence of our positions concerning the continuity of the state, bringing forth essential aspects of this matter, and referring to various relevant documents from previous decades.
Thus, mention is made, in the Riigikogu’s draft, of the Constitution, that was adopted in 1992, as a general confirmation of the continuity of the Republic of Estonia that was declared on 24 February 1918.
Reference is made, in the draft, to the 20 August 1991 Supreme Council decision concerning the restoration of independence. The restoration of Estonian independence was a peaceful process, in which, use was made of legal means, step by step, throughout the transition period. Thus, the making of the decision, upon which was based the rest of the world’s recognition of the restoration of our independence, fell upon the shoulders of this transitional period assembly. Russia also recognised Estonia’s restored independence, and established diplomatic relations, by referring to this very document confirming the legal continuity of the Republic of Estonia.
In the preamble, reference is also made to the Riigikogu’s 7 October 1992 decision, which, in essence, summarised the process of restoring constitutional rule, as well as concretely and clearly established positions concerning the illegality of the Soviet occupation, and the legal continuity of the Republic of Estonia.
In the preamble, mention is made of the 2 February 1920 Tartu Peace Treaty, which, in Art. III Section 1 establishes the borderline being partially changed.
The question of the state’s continuity, and the whole ring of historical-legal problems, is of extreme significance for Estonia from both domestic and foreign policy, as well as international legal order standpoint. I have repeatedly spoken about these matters from this very podium.
Honourable Riigikogu,
The Foreign Ministry has been keeping other states informed about the ratification process of the border treaties. We are pleased to note that, abroad, there is general support for Estonia’s decision to promptly begin ratifying the border treaties. Our positions are clear, the continuity of Estonia’s foreign policy is clear; our close cooperation with our allies and partners in NATO and the European Union is a functioning endeavour. The reaction of our friends and allies to the signing of the border treaties has been heartening. On the heads of state and government level, the European Council also expressed its pleasure, a couple of days ago, over the signing of the Estonian-Russian border treaties. Now is not a time for surprises and political party games. Estonia has to function in an environment, in which our willingness to compromise on the matter of the course of the borderline is strongly supported. And, at the same time, it is well known, that the rejecting of anything already agreed upon would not be supported.
As foreign minister, I must express my concern over the fact that, in addition to the sensible and informed debate surrounding the border treaties and their ratification, emotional and factually inaccurate opinions have also been expressed in Estonia during the last few months.
The development of Estonian and Russian relations is an essential part of Estonian diplomacy. And to be successful in this particular sphere, it is important to be as professional and pragmatic as possible, as well as to thoroughly consider all pertinent factors. Some Estonian political circles, primarily those not represented in parliament, would like to see a never-ending escalation of tensions with Russia, as well as, in essence, a rejection of the NATO and European Union partnership policy concerning Russia, of the seeking of normal neighbourly relations. It is amazing to see how they are advising the Estonian Government not to conclude any treaties with Russia. Incidentally, Russian extremist circles are making similar recommendations, and insisting to their government, that nothing should be signed or ratified with Estonia.
I would like to stress that, we are, naturally, concluding the border treaties in our interests, not just to please the rest of the world. But, on the other hand, it is expected, that a nation, which, as part of NATO and the European Union, participates in the making of world significant decisions, would possess political sophistication, professionalism, and the ability to assess political realities.
Honourable Riigikogu,
During the last few weeks, there has been a lot of talk in this house, and elsewhere, about Setumaa’s development problems. As of the restoration of independence, these questions have been dealt with constantly, and many solutions have been formulated. The prime minister and other Government representatives have informed you about a number of new measures. An appropriate commission of experts is presently defining its recommendations. Their extensive project is in the process of being coordinated by various relevant government agencies.
Meanwhile, there have been resolute requests, that a concrete amount be named, which will be spent there. The development of Setumaa is in need of very extensive attention, as well as constant analysing and solving of various problems. It would be wrong to focus attention upon just a one-time amount, since there is need of a long-time process.
The present Government is of the opinion, that the Setumaa action plan is a long-time project that must have constant financial backing. But it is also important, that with each new Government assuming office, on-going programmes should not be forgotten, or be left without financing. Unfortunately, the administering of Estonia has clearly lacked consistency, and a willingness to carry on with sensible endeavours initiated by the previous Government -- everyone wants to start from scratch.
On June 30, there will again be a debate concerning the financing of Setumaa’s needs, and the general public will be kept thoroughly informed about the development of all programmes. Many of Setumaa’s problems are not the result of the border or the border treaties, but rather, of this particular area’s general lack of development.
Respected Riigikogu,
At some point, everything concerning the border treaties will have been said, which means that, previous topics will just be rehashed. The Riigikogu consists of those who have been elected with the mandate to make decisions, and who have the desire and courage to assume responsibility. The Government of the Republic calls upon the Riigikogu to ratify the border treaties with Russia.
Thank you
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