President Lennart Meri, Mrs. Helle Meri and Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces Johannes Kert today had a meeting with the Estonians of Washington and Baltimore at the Estonian Embassy in Washington.

President Meri thanked the American Estonians for their support in building up the Republic of Estonia and for informing the U.S. politicians about Estonia’s aspirations and positions in accession to NATO.

President Meri emphasised that Estonia can be very satisfied with the results of the NATO Summit, and added that now there is some serious homework ahead. As the President said, there are many difficult tasks facing the Government and the command of the defence forces. A lot has to be done to be ready for the second round of the NATO enlargement, the President said.

As the President mentioned, the conviction that a nation must be ready to pay for their independence must be strengthened in the Estonian people. It is important to create an atmosphere where the will to defend needs no explanation.

Also education, especially the need to teach the English language, was discussed. As the President said, both the relations with the States of the U.S. and the co-operation between friendship cities could be used. As the President said, Tartu University needs a strong collegial university in the United States.

Mati Koiva, Gunnar Paabo, Vello Ederma, Marju Rink-Abel, Lenna Vasur, Marju Soobert, Veljo Areng, Jyri Kork, Ago Ets, Vaino Riismandel, General Tiiu Kera, Camilla Kuus and Veeliks Lind participated in the meeting.


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, April 27, 1999

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