President Lennart Meri opened a Christian Soldiers Home at the Ämari airfield today. The President thanked everyone who had participated in the donation, transport, and construction of the house: Pro Rege, the Christian Soldiers Homes Organisation of the Netherlands, and the members of the defence forces of the Netherlands and Estonia. The President expressed his hope that the Christian Home would support the self-discovery of both Christians and atheists, of all members of the defence forces when they feel lonely and need support. At the Soldier Home, the soldiers can receive their guests, and -- what pleased the President especially -- keep track with the events of the world, as they have the opportunity of using computers.

The President visited also this year the renovated national air surveillance centre of the Ämari air base, which is Estonia's contribution to Baltnet, the common air surveillance system of the three Baltic States. Several NATO Member States have appreciated this air surveillance centre, built with the resources of the Estonian Defence Forces, who also used Estonian furniture. The modern air surveillance centre and training of the air defence troops speaks of Estonia's will to defend herself, and evokes the trust of the NATO member countries.


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, December 21, 1999

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