| |
 | Press Releases | | |
The President of the Republic met with County Governors15.12.2004
President Arnold Rüütel today at Kadriorg had a pre-Christmas meeting with County Governors, in which also Minister of Regional Affairs Jaan Õunapuu took part.
At the meeting, the President of the Republic said that the success of Estonia depended primarily on our own will to do something. "A county governor is a coordinator who helps local governments to find and develop that good will and mutual understanding which is necessary to advance our life. At the same time, good ideas generated by local governments could with the help of county government to get much broader resonance," the Head of the State added.
At the working luncheon, also the interpretation of county governor's role, and issues related to Freedom Memorial were discussed. The topic of investments support to local governments and the use of the European Union agricultural support were discussed more thoroughly. The County Governors were at the opinion that Estonian farmers knew very well how to benefit from instruments provided by the European Union and could look hopefully to future. President Rüütel expressed his pleasure that local governments had been successful in administrating the applications for EU instruments.
During the meeting also issues of education were touched upon, and basic school pupils dropout, and shortcomings of educational philosophy were defined as serious problems. Also the topic of schools' real estate administration reform was raised, and in the words of County Governors, local governments had very different views and opinions in that regard.
Development of sports-for-all for the sake of enhancement of health of the Estonian people was also briefly discussed. The opinion was that conclusion of respective agreements of understanding on county level would facilitate that goal. The President of the Republic supported that initiative.
The Chairman of the Central Board of Estonian Home Decoration Association, Arvi Altmäe gave an overview of the Estonian Home Decoration Movement activities. In his words, thanks to the campaigns of home decoration in 1936 - 1940, Estonia took in co-operative activities one of the first places in Europe, and also today home decoration movement as a national programme substantially contributes to securing of sustainability in Estonia. The County Governors were sure that the Home Decoration Movement needed to be supported also in future.
The President of the Republic thanked the County Governors for their work and wished strength and success to all counties in their future activities.
 The Põlva County Governor, Urmas Klaas presented President Arnold Rüütel a 18 years old and 2,5 meter-high Christmas tree, which was brought from Veriora where it had grown on the territory of Ilumetsa Forest District. The tree was decorated with candles and candleholders made by Ulve Kangro, a master of folk art and crafts from Räpina. Singers of Põlva folk ensemble "Käokarjus" Maris Irbo, Triin Teresk and Egle Rohtla sang at the ceremony of handing over the tree.
Public Relations Unit of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, December 15, 2004
|
| |
|
vpk.ee
