President Lennart Meri met General Sir Wesley K. Clark, the Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO, who arrived for a two-day visit in Estonia, in Viimsi tonight.

Conferring the I Class Order of the Cross of the Eagle on General Clark, President Meri said that the Order expresses the gratitude of the Republic of Estonia to General Clark for developing the relations between NATO and Estonia. As the Supreme Commander of National Defence, President Meri expressed the gratitude of the Republic of Estonia and the Estonian Defence Forces for the General's personal contribution to the strengthening of co-operation and for preparing the Estonian defence forces for NATO membership.

Estonia is NATO's partner in producing stability and security in Europe, and Estonia is grateful for General Clark's advice in improving the structure and skills of the Estonian defence forces and in enhancing their ability in international co-operation. Several Estonian units have served under General Clark's command and proved their ability for co-operation in the peacekeeping operations both in Bosnia and in Kosovo that General Clark has excellently organised and commanded.

President Lennart Meri and Mrs. Helle Meri hosted a dinner in honour of General Sir Wesley K. Clark at Viimsi tonight

General Wesley K. Clark became the Supreme Allied Commander Europe on 11 July 1997. He is also the Commander-in-Chief, United States European Command.


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, April 14, 2000

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