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The President of the Republic in Tartu opened the Conference "Otto Tief and the Interim Government of 1944"17.09.2004
President Arnold Rüütel today at the Library of Tartu University opened the Conference "Otto Tief and the Interim Government of 1944".
The President of the Republic noted that researchers researching history and assessing sources faced complicated problems. "While dealing with the recent history, emotional judgements and personal connections of those concerned can sometimes be a disadvantage. While assessing earlier periods, researchers frequently are frustrated by shortage of sources and inability to put events into context of concrete circumstances," said the Head of State.
According to President Rüütel, the Atlantic Charter had stated that every nation had the right to independently determine their system of government and fate. "The Charter gave the occupied nations hope that, with the West's help, they would succeed in regaining their lost independence. Based on legal and ethical judgements, Jüri Uluots on 18 September appointed to office a Government of the Republic that was headed by Otto Tief. We must appreciate and acknowledge the resolve and heroism of both men in taking in this extremely complicated situation the responsibility for the fate of their people and state," spoke the President of the Republic.
The Head of State also said that Tief's government set themselves a goal to restore the independence of the Republic of Estonia built on democratic values and offered resistance to both of the occupying foreign powers.
President Rüütel added: "The recent events in Estonia have confirmed one more time that people need information concerning both the 60-year-old and more recent events. The duty and great responsibility to clear them up, to overcome controversies and to perpetuate our history lies with politicians, but with history researchers likewise."
Public Relations Unit of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, September 21, 2004
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