Allow me to congratulate you on your election victory. I am pleased that the people of America have made this decision, re-electing as the leader of the leading country of the world a man whose resoluteness has been proven in the difficult crises of the Twentieth Century and who has the ample experience and will to make the world in the Twenty-first Century a better place.

As a European I am deeply pleased that the President of the United States has deemed it necessary to emphasize the national interest of the U.S. especially in Europe. Your positions on foreign and security policy clearly mirror your exceptionally great sense of responsibility in increasing a sense of security throughout the world. Your words regarding the role of NATO add to the feeling of security for every small nation in Europe and should be an example to larger states.

Mr President,

Throughout our existence the United States has been one the most loyal and greatest allies of Estonian democracy. The U.S. policy of Non-Recognition of the Soviet occupation led as a logical outgrowth to support for Estonia's political strivings to join the European Union and NATO. We feel this support at all times in our everyday diplomatic activity, in the immeasurable economic and know assistance from the United States and in your continuing inititiatives to find new forms of co-operation. Thanks precisely to this co-operation it was possible for you to mention Estonia in your October 22nd speech as ranking among the most successful states of Eastern Europe.

I thank you, Mr. President, for your personal support and I hope that our joint efforts will carry us into a happier world in the Twenty-first Century.

I wish you good health and success in all your efforts.

God bless America!


Lennart Meri

back | archive of speeches | main page