President Lennart Meri made a statement today, where he speaks, in connection with the brutal murders committed in Tartu, of the need to stop the advance of evil, filth, and indifference towards the pain of our loved ones threatening to suffocate us. We hereby forward you the text of the statement.

''The Nation Mourns

Dear friends and relatives of the Tilga and Maasik families, dear neighbours from Soinaste street, dear people of Tartu, dear fellow countrymen! I ask all of you to accept my condolences in connection with the brutal murders committed in our country. As citizens, we should all be concerned by this. Only by acting hand in hand can we stop the advance of evil and filth, and the indifference towards the pain of our loved ones, which is threatening to suffocate us, only together can we stem the wave of crime and immorality and launch the counter-attack. Let us think – with a warm heart and a clear head – should the tightening of our most liberal alcohol selling regulations in the world not be the first step on the way to the restriction and decrease of crimes committed under the influence of alcohol? And likewise the protection of our children and youngsters from the temptations of the taint of alcohol and the streets?

Let us discuss this between ourselves and with the legislative institutions. We all bear the same responsibility for the safety of our homes, our streets, and our country. We can not, must not get used to the evil as a necessity, we must not become callous.

Let us share the mourning of both families in the name of a safe Estonia.

Lennart Meri''


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, November 7, 1999

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