At its extraordinary session today, the Riigikogu elected Alar Karis President of the Republic. 72 members of the Riigikogu supported him at the secret ballot.
80 members of the Riigikogu participated in the second round of voting. Eight ballot papers were unmarked.
To be elected, the candidate for President needed a two-thirds majority of votes of the membership of the Riigikogu, that is, the support of at least 68 members of the Riigikogu.
59 members of the Riigikogu from the Estonian Centre Party Faction and the Estonian Reform Party Faction had nominated Alar Karis again for the second round of voting.
In the first round yesterday, Karis received the support of 63 members of the Riigikogu. 79 members participated in the voting then. 16 ballot papers were unmarked.
The newly elected President of the Republic Alar Karis thanked the Riigikogu for the votes that had been cast for him.
“I would like to thank everyone who voted for me, as well as those who did not. I promise to be a good partner to the Riigikogu. Thank you very much,” Karis said.
Photos(Author: Erik Peinar, Chancellery of the Riigikogu)
At today’s extraordinary session of the Riigikogu, Alar Karis was not elected in the first round of the election of the President of the Republic.
63 members of the Riigikogu voted for him. The support of at least 68 members was required.
59 members of the Riigikogu from the Estonian Centre Party Faction and the Estonian Reform Party Faction had nominated Alar Karis.
79 members of the Riigikogu participated in the voting. 16 ballot papers were unmarked.
The extraordinary session of the Riigikogu will continue tomorrow, on 31 August, at 12 noon in the Riigikogu session hall. The nomination of candidates for President of the Republic will begin at the premises of the National Electoral Committee at Toompea 1, Tallinn, tomorrow, on 31 August, at 8 a.m., and will end at 10 a.m. The National Electoral Committee will register the candidates for President of the Republic before the beginning of the second round of voting.
Photos: (Author: Erik Peinar, Chancellery of the Riigikogu)
Today, the European Union Affairs Committee convened for an extraordinary sitting to discuss Estonia’s readiness to receive individuals caught in a dangerous situation in Afghanistan. The Committee agreed that the Government resolution to receive those in need of help is absolutely necessary, and expressed its support to it.
The Chairman of the Committee Riina Sikkut pointed out that the current situation in Afghanistan is extremely volatile, which is why the Government decided at its meeting yesterday to resettle or relocate up to 30 individuals in need of international protection from Afghanistan to Estonia. “Taliban’s rise to power is a threat to human rights, especially the rights of women and girls, and to the lives of those who cooperated with NATO and the previous authorities of Afghanistan. This is why it is crucial for Estonia to show willingness to help these people, and to act fast,” Sikkut said.
Member of the Committee Oudekki Loone said that checking the backgrounds of those arriving in Estonia is undoubtedly important, as is interviewing them, but that this must be conducted in a way that does not slow down the process of extracting them from Afghanistan. “The first priority is to evacuate the individuals at risk – we have very little time left for helping them out of the country,” she stressed. Loone explained that Estonia is giving priority to our immediate collaborators who now find themselves in danger. “By receiving these individuals, we are proving that Estonia can be taken seriously: we care about our cooperation partners and refuse to leave them behind in difficult circumstances,” Loone said. She added that we are very capable of integrating 30 individuals into the Estonian society, and take their needs into consideration.
As of yesterday, 31 individuals had applied for help from Estonia. The background checks will be conducted by the Police and Border Guard Board, who will make the final decision on granting international protection. The plan is to bring the individuals at risk to Estonia under the Act on Granting International Protection to Aliens, which means that they can be either resettled directly from a third country, or be relocated from another European Union Member State.
The European Union Affairs Committee decided to support the decision of the Government, according to which Estonia will receive up to five NATO collaborators, and their family members; up to five European Union collaborators, and their family members; and up to 20 individuals, and their family members, who have worked in Afghanistan together with Estonian organisations and have helped in carrying out Estonia’s foreign policy objectives in Afghanistan.
The participants at the sitting also emphasised how important it was to help the countries around Afghanistan, such as Iran and Pakistan, to support their ability to better protect those fleeing the country.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Eva-Maria Liimets and Minister of the Interior Kristian Jaani also attended the sitting, as did the Head of the Citizenship and Migration Policy Department of the Ministry of the Interior Ruth Annus, and National Security and Defence Coordination Director of the Government Office Indrek Sirp.
The Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson, the President of the Estonia-Ukraine Parliamentary Group Mati Raidma, and member of the delegation to the PACE Raivo Tamm are on a visit to Ukraine until Wednesday, to take part in the inaugural event of the Crimea Platform, the celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of Ukraine, and to visit Ukraine’s marine border near Mariupol.
Chairman Mihkelson explained that the objective of the Crimea Platform is to ensure the end of occupation in Crimea, which makes it an extremely welcome initiative. “Even on the 30th anniversary of restoring independence in Ukraine, the international community should continue keeping a sharp eye on the situation in Crimea, and condemn the illegal annexation of the region by Russia,” the Chairman stressed. “The Platform gives the democratic community the opportunity to come together in support of the restoration of the territorial integrity of Ukraine.”
Today, the schedule of the delegation includes participation in the expert forum of the Crimea Platform, to discuss the rights of the Crimean Tatars, reintegration of Crimes, non-recognition of annexation, and security threats in the Azov Sea and Black Sea region. They will also take part in the extraordinary session of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada and a cultural programme dedicated to the inauguration of the Crimea Platform.
Tomorrow, the visit will continue with the celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of Ukraine. On Wednesday, they are to visit Mariupol and the marine border areas in the vicinity of the town.
On the 30th anniversary of the restoration of Estonia’s independence, three generations of one family hoisted the national flag on top of Tall Hermann Tower – member of the August 20th Club Tõnu Saarman along with his daughter and grandchildren.
The President of the Riigikogu Jüri Ratas recognised the contribution of those who had worked unfalteringly for the benefit of Estonia, defended our security, and laid the foundation of our sense of security after the restoration of independence.
“Thirty years ago today, we woke up in Estonia with a dream to live in our own state according to our own will. On that very day, at 11.03 p.m., it became true. 69 women and men who represented us made a decision that had a great impact on our future when they unanimously restored the independence of the Republic of Estonia. As a result of the work done during the days and nights that followed, we can wake up in our country today with confidence that we can live in Estonia according to our own will for ever,” Ratas spoke.
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said that the events around the world remind us that nothing is ever granted and that we have a lot that we have built ourselves and that we can be thankful for, and that we need to keep safe and develop further. “Equal rights and opportunities for women and men. Everyone’s right to be critical and voice their opinion if they feel the need. Freedom of speech, freedom of action, freedom of movement. Of course we need to remember that freedom also entails responsibility, the duty to also safeguard others, their lives and freedom.”
Archbishop of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church Urmas Viilma said words of blessing. He sees the flag as a symbol of everything that can be included under the concepts of home, family, fatherland, and freedom. “The three coloured flag that is hoisted to the top of Tall Hermann Tower every morning has been an eloquent reminder for 30 years – Estonia lives and breathes.”
President of the August 20th Club Ants Veetõusme looked back at the special morning when the flag was again hoisted to the Tall Hermann Tower. “This feeling was indescribable to the people who had had to suffer through occupations, deportations, or prison camps,” Veetõusme said. He added that the flag gave us back our dignity. “So that we would never again have to hide the blue, black and white flag of Estonia, let us all treat our country and its flag with all the respect and dignity that they so abundantly deserve.“
Speaker of the Parliament of Iceland – Althingi – Steingrímur J. Sigfússon also made a speech. He said that on 26 August 1991, Iceland was the first country to establish diplomatic relations with Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. “With firm basis in your history and culture, supported by the will and dedication of your people, you have progressed immensely since the historical events thirty years ago,” acknowledged Sigfússon.
On 20 August 1991 at 11.03 p.m., the Supreme Council of the Republic of Estonia, with 69 votes in favour, adopted the Resolution on the National Independence of Estonia.
Today and tomorrow, President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Jüri Ratas will host the President of the European Parliament and the Speakers of the Parliaments of Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, who will participate in the events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the restoration of independence of Estonia.
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the restoration of Estonia’s independence, President of the European Parliament David Sassoli, Speaker of the Althingi (Parliament) of Iceland Steingrímur J. Sigfússon, Speaker of the Saeima (Parliament) of Latvia Ināra Mūrniece and Speaker of the Seimas (Parliament) of Lithuania Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen visit Tallinn.
Celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the restoration of independence of Estonia will begin on Friday with the flag raising ceremony at Toompea. After that, the guests will attend the divine service in the St. Mary’s Cathedral at Toompea. Then they will lay flowers at the Memorial Stone to 20 August and plant trees in Kadriorg Park. At noon, they will participate in the special sitting of the August 20th Club and the Riigikogu, and at 3 p.m., attend the festive concert in the Governor’s Garden at Toompea.
Today, Jüri Ratas will have a meeting with Marshal of the Sejm of Poland Elżbieta Witek. Marshal of the Sejm of Poland Elżbieta Witek and President of the European Parliament David Sassoli will also meet with President of the Republic Kersti Kaljulaid and Prime Minister Kaja Kallas during their visit to Tallinn.
Media contact of the President of the European Parliament: Press Officer of the European Parliament Liaison Office Kadi Herkül +372 51 17510 kadi.herkuel@europarl.europa.eu
Today, President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) met with Marshal of the Sejm of Poland Elżbieta Witek. The discussed possibilities for regional cooperation and spoke of the issues relating to the border defence of the European Union and its Member States.
“Estonia and Poland are close allies, and our history is similar as well,” Ratas emphasised at the meeting. “We are both members of the EU and NATO, and share the same values.” He recalled that the diplomatic relations between the two countries had lasted for a hundred years, and their trade relations were based on firm grounds, which was proven by the fact that Poland is Estonia’s most important and largest foreign trade partner in Central Europe.
Ratas thanked Poland for their contribution to ensuring the security of the region. He said that both Estonia and Poland were active in strengthening the transatlantic relations and our mutual defence and security policy cooperation was strong.
Situation on the borders of the countries of the region was discussed in greater detail. Ratas and Witek both found that the situation on the borders of the Member States was very uncertain, and it was necessary to act rapidly and flexibly.
The Marshal of the Sejm of Poland pointed out that illegal immigrants coming through Belarus had started to arrive at the Polish border more often, and the refugees from Afghanistan also needed help. This month, more than 1500 persons have illegally crossed the Polish border, and the government has decided to send troops to assist the border guards.
Ratas thanked the Marshal of the Sejm of Poland for participating in the virtual parliamentary forum of the Three Seas Initiative (3SI), which was held in early summer at Estonia’s initiative, and expressed hope that Poland would continue the tradition and organise the next meeting. “Cooperation between Estonia and Poland in the framework of the Three Seas Initiative has been excellent, we think alike in many issues, and we are both committed to success of the initiative.”
Witek agreed with Ratas that the Initiative was a valuable cooperation format not only for increasing the connectivity of the North-South axis, but also as a positive platform for transatlantic cooperation, for balancing China’s influence and, through it, for strengthening the cohesion and connectivity of the European Union.
Today, President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Jüri Ratas discussed the issues relating to illegal immigration supported by Lukashenka’s regime, border defence of the European Union and human rights with his Latvian and Lithuanian counterparts and the President of the European Parliament.
Ratas underlined that the European Union had to keep the attention of its allies and partners on the situation on its external border. “We have to react to the hybrid activities of Lukashenka’s regime decisively and rapidly,” he said. “The human trafficking supported by Belarus is unacceptable. Joint efforts of the European Union Member States have helped to deter the wave of illegal border crossing for the present, but it is important to stay on guard together.”
At the trilateral meeting with his Latvian and Lithuanian counterparts, Ratas pointed out that the illegal immigrants were not the only problem, as today it was necessary also to keep in mind Russia’s military exercise Zapad, which would take place in September, and the situation in Afghanistan. “If Lithuania or Latvia are attacked, it is an attack against the whole European Union,” Ratas emphasised. The Speakers agreed that the attack against the external border of the EU was brutal.
Ratas said that the future of Europe and enlargement of the Union to West Balkan had been discussed as well. As regards the future development and the economy of the European Union, overcoming the COVID virus is also important. At the meeting, the Speakers also spoke of the situation in Afghanistan. It was found that in regard to the developments in Afghanistan and the threats originating from there, it was necessary to be ready for everything because Taliban was unpredictable and actually there was nobody with whom to negotiate, as our understanding of international relations was based on international law, which Taliban did not follow.
At the meeting with President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda, the necessity of cooperation between the European Union Member States and the need to negotiate with the countries of origin of illegal immigration on stopping direct flights to Minsk were discussed.
In the afternoon, Speakers of the Parliaments of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania and the European Parliament examined the situation on the Lithuania-Belarus border at Padvarionys border post and paid their respects to the victims of the massacre in Medininkai, where OMON special troops from Riga killed seven Lithuanian customs officers in July 1991.
As of yesterday, 4091 migrants had illegally crossed the Lithuanian border.
President of the Riigikogu Jüri Ratas, Speaker of the Saeima (Parliament) of Latvia Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Seimas (Parliament) of Lithuania Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen and President of the European Parliament David Maria Sassoli gave a joint press conference at the Lithuanian Border Guard School. At the press conference, all parties emphasised that the most important task in the region was ensuring the security of the borders of the European Union and its Member States. It is necessary to join forces and cooperate in every way in order to find common solutions to stop the flow of illegal immigrants sent by Lukashenka’s regime.
Video recording of the press conference can be viewed on YouTube.
The Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson is meeting his Latvian. Lithuanian, and British colleagues today in Jūrmala, Latvia, to discuss the latest foreign policy developments and expanding parliamentary cooperation.
Mihkelson expects the meeting to focus on the security of the Baltic region, Eastern Partnership, and the spread of misinformation. “We are sure to talk about Russia’s large-scale military exercise Zapad and the related threats to security, as well as the current situation in Afghanistan, which goes without saying,” the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee said. “We will also discuss the strategic triangle of Europe, USA, and China, and the future opportunities for cooperation between the three Baltic states and the United Kingdom,” he added.
Tomorrow’s schedule includes a visit to the Ādaži military base.
Other participants in the meeting are the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Latvian Saeima Rihards Kols, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Lithuanian Seimas Žygimantas Pavilionis, and the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the British House of Commons Tom Tugendhat.
Today, President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Jüri Ratas will meet with Speaker of the Saeima (Parliament) of Latvia Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Seimas (Parliament) of Lithuania Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen and President of the European Parliament David Maria Sassoli in Vilnius. They will examine the situation on the Lithuania-Belarus border.
The programme of the visit also includes the bilateral meeting of the President of the Riigikogu and President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda.
Main topics of the meetings will focus around the situation on the Lithuania-Belarus and the Latvia-Belarus borders. The situation with the pandemic, the future of Europe and the developments in Afghanistan will also be spoken about.
In the afternoon, the Speakers of the Parliaments of the Baltic States and the President of the European Parliament will lay flowers at the memorial to the victims of the massacre at Medininkai border post, where OMON troops from Riga killed seven Lithuanian customs officers in July 1991.
After that, they will examine the situation in the Padvarionys border post on the Lithuania-Belarus border and visit the Border Guard School. At 3 p.m., the Speakers of the Parliaments will give a joint press conference at the Lithuanian Border Guard School in Medininkai.