Estonia: President of the Riigikogu Henn Põlluaas: Tartu Peace Treaty is the symbol of continuity

NordenBladet — In his speech on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Tartu Peace Treaty, President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Henn Põlluaas said that the Peace Treaty was a symbol of continuity that connected our past with our future.

“Hats off to all who fought bravely for our freedom both on the fronts of the War of Independence and at the negotiating table,” Põlluaas said. “May they be an example to us, because today, too, we must have the same ideals and commitment. All that we do must be done for the good of our fatherland.”

The President of the Riigikogu contested Russia’s statement that the Tartu Peace Treaty was just an historical document. “Both the 1932 Non-aggression Pact between Estonia and the Soviet Union, and the military bases agreement of 1939 directly refer to the Tartu Peace Treaty. No period of validity or terms of withdrawal have been provided for in this Peace Treaty,” Põlluaas emphasised. “International law says that the Tartu Peace Treaty is valid also now, in the 21st century.”

The celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the Tartu Peace Treaty in Tartu started with the laying of wreaths at the War of Independence Memorial at St. Paul’s Cemetery, at the Monument to the Liberators of South Estonia at St. Mary’s Cemetery and at Julius Kuperjanov’s grave. It was followed by a memorial ceremony at the statue of Kalevipoeg and a thanksgiving service at St. John’s Church. At noon, a meeting was held at the Tartu Peace Treaty Square. The festivities will end with a concert at Vanemuine Concert Hall.

Speech by the President of the Riigikogu on the 100th anniversary of the Tartu Peace Treaty in Tartu

 

Source: Parliament of Estonia

 


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