President Lennart Meri received Kurt Beck, Head of the Government of the German State of Rheinland-Pfalz, who is visiting Estonia, in Paslepa yesterday.

On the meeting, the development problems of parliamentary democracies were discussed. President Meri emphasised that after the European Union's decision to start accession negotiations with Estonia there remains no doubt that democracy has been firmly established in Estonia although some problems still exist, just as they do in any other country. As the President said, prospects of development are still open in Estonia for the general availability of information and freedom of press.

The Head of Government of this German State whose contacts with Estonia have been the closest was also interested in the development of the Estonian society and the landscape of our political parties, and asked whether the ideological differences in the parties' positions are becoming more visible. As President Meri mentioned, these problems are partly due to Estonia being a small country.

Prime Minister Beck said that small countries have a very significant role in the World and that within the European Union no one would propose a political or economical threat to small countries. According to Beck, small countries are no threat to anyone and their voice will always be heard.

The integration and naturalisation matters in Estonia were also discussed and President Meri mentioned that Estonia has the possibility to become an exemplary state having a society without any ethnic conflicts.

The Prime Minister of the German State of Rheinland Pfalz and Bernd Mützelburg, the German Ambassador in Estonia, also regretted the decision of the Lufthansa airline to terminate the flights to Tallinn.

President Lennart Meri hosted a dinner in honour of his guest yesterday night.


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, July 22, 1998

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