On Tuesday, May 18, President Lennart Meri met with the Minister of Defence Jüri Luik to discuss the crime committed by Sergeant Indrek Holm, the Acting Chief of the Special Operations Group (SOG). The President and the Minister of Defence discussed the need to strengthen control over the staff of the Regular Armed Forces and the Defence League, and civil control over the activities of armed forced.

Thereafter at 3.00 PM, President Meri received the Commander of the Regular Armed Forces Lieutenant General Johannes Kert. The President said that the crime had caused serious damage to the reputation of Estonia and the armed forces of Estonia.

Lieutenant General Johannes Kert handed in his resignation.

After serious consideration, the President decided not to accept the resignation of Lieutenant General Johannes Kert. “I appreciate the reaction of the commander of the regular armed forces, which shows that he understands the seriousness of the crime, and I give him one more chance. I hope that General Kert will use it,” said the President.

Minister of Defence Jüri Luik commented upon the decision of the President before the cabinet session of the government: “The activity of the commander in chief of national defence was justified and I support it.”


Press Service of theOffice of the President
Kadriorg, May 18, 1999

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