President of the Republic received Ambassador Arhi Palosuo, Head of the Delegation of the European Commission in Estonia, who had come to pay his farewell visit to the Estonian Head of State, at Paslepa this evening.

In accordance with his resolution from July 18, President of the Republic conferred today the Order of St Mary's Land on Ambassador Arhi Palosuo for his services to the Republic of Estonia and the Estonian people. President Meri emphasised the contribution of Ambassador Palosuo, Head of the European Commission's delegation in Estonia, to bringing Estonia closer to the European Union, as well as his significant support to Estonia's preparations for accession to the European Union. The European Commission's delegation in Estonia as well as its leader can be given credit for Estonia having been accepted to the first wave of EU enlargement.

Ambassador Arhi Palosuo, who is of Finnish nationality, said that during his mission to Tallinn, Estonia has made successful efforts in the field of European integration, and that he has been glad to take part of this process.


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, August 1, 2000

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