Today afternoon in the Presidential Palace, President Lennart Meri awarded Professor Rein Taagepera with the 2nd class State Coat of Arms Order for the services rendered to the state and people of Estonia. The President decided to give the order to Rein Taagepera, member of the Estonian Congress and founder of the Department of Social Sciences of the University of Tartu, this year before the Independence Day.

When presenting the order, the President of the Republic said that Rein Taagepera has brought love of mankind and understanding, new ways of thinking and self-belief to Estonia. President Meri and Professor Rein Taagepera also talked about home and keeping the home feeling alive.

Taagepera presented his book ''The Finno-Ugric Republics and the Russian State'' to the President of the Republic.


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, May 5, 2000

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