Today afternoon, President Lennart Meri received in Kadriorg the plenipotentiary Ambassador extraordinary of the Republic of Italy to Estonia Luchino Cortese, who came to present his credentials.

While handing over his credentials Ambassador Cortese also forwarded the greetings of the President of the Republic of Italy Luigi Scalfaro. He said that the head of state of Italy has good memories of his visit to Estonia and expressed his hope that President Meri also has good memories of his visit to Italy last year. Ambassador Cortese said that Italy and Estonia are close to each other regardless of the great geographical distance. He emphasised that Italy as a founding state of the European Union guarantees its full support to Estonia in becoming a full member of the European Union soon, which is the most important aspect in the relationships between Estonia and Italy.

President Meri approved of the steps taken by Italy in finding a solution to the conflict in Kosovo, especially for its assistance to the people driven out of Kosovo. The Ambassador of Italy said that there are situations which can not be solved without military intervention. The Ambassador approved of Estonia's support to the NATO mission.


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, May 13, 1999

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