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The President's Academic Council held its opening session
24.05.2002


The President's Academic Council assembled at Kadriorg today. At the first session of the Council, its goals, output and standing orders were defined.

The Academic Council advises the President on how to better fulfil his assignments arising from the Constitution. As noted by the President today, this body will neither duplicate the structures of the legislative and executive powers nor compete with them, however, through the President it can submit its conclusions to the Riigikogu and the Government. The President addressed the Members of the council: "Knowing thoroughly the extremely different areas of life and science, you are able to evaluate objectively and without over-politicizing processes going on in those areas, and proceeding from this basis, to give recommendations for a well-balanced development of Estonia."

On President's suggestion, Academicians Jüri Engelbrecht, Ene Ergma, Ülo Jaaksoo, Ain-Elmar Kaasik, Endel Lippmaa and Mihkel Veidermaa, and Rectors Jaak Aaviksoo, Henn Elmet, Mati Heidmets, Andres Keevallik, Ando Keskküla and Peep Lassmann belong to the 24-member Academic Council, that also includes scientists and opinion-formers Kaido Jaanson, Jüri Kann, Jaan Kaplinski, Kalev Katus, Kalle Merusk, Jaan-Mati Punning, Eduard Raska, Jüri Sepp, Mati Sepp, Urmas Sutrop, Hagi Šein and Mikk Titma.

The Commissions established by the Academic Council will submit to the Council their proposals concerning the issues to be discussed. Today, six commissions were established: Commission on Science, Education and Culture (Chairman Prof. Andres Keevallik); Commission on Rural Life and Balanced Development (Chairman Prof. Jüri Kann); Commission on Economic Development (Chairman Prof. Jüri Sepp); Commission on Internal and National Security (Chairman Prof. Eduard Raska); Commission on Social Development (Chairman Prof. Mikk Titma); Commission on Development of Public Administration and Local Government (Chairman Prof. Kalle Merusk).

The need to strive for more concord in Estonian society was treated by the academic body as a separate item. President Rüütel pointed out that a big proportion of Estonian citizens had remained passive regarding the decision-making about vital issues concerning their own life, or they even had been supplanted. "Just therefore the idea that Estonia, alongside with accords approved by the Parliament - i.e. laws and the Constitution - needs a new social accord, is gaining ever more support. This accord should lay down the uncompromising objectives and imperative compromises of our society," the President said.

The Members of the Academic Council reaffirmed the necessity to launch a pursuit of an accord in Estonian society. The scientists suggested to regard the given social accord as a process in the course of which these problems were to be identified that could be solved on the basis of a broad consensus. The Members of the Council voiced their willingness to actively participate in this process. At the same time they deemed it expedient to find out what kind of an environment Estonia was, what were the parameters characterizing it, and which developments – due to their conflicting nature - had become hindrances to the progress. Relevant activities will be coordinated by a working team to be formed on the Council's initiative.

The Academic Council today also deemed it expedient that the status of its honorary member be established. It was decided to appoint Aino Järvesoo, who has powerfully called attention to the demographic crisis jeopardizing Estonia, the first Honorary Member of the President's Academic Council.

The President's Academic Council will meet again on September 6.


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, May 24, 2002


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