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The President of the Republic met with Patriarch Alexy II21.01.2005
President Arnold Rüütel within the framework of his working visit today in Moscow met with His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia.
The meeting in the Patriarch's residence in St. Daniel Monastery addressed the topics related to the solving of property issues of the Orthodox Church in Estonia, which had been the reason for awarding President Rüütel the International Foundation of the Unity of Orthodox Peoples prize. Patriarch Alexy II congratulated the Head of Estonian state on receiving that high award. The Patriarch pointed out that the joint meeting with the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin the day before had been very significant.
 The President of the Republic thanked the primate of the Russian Orthodox Church for that high recognition and said that Patriarch Alexy II had made a weighty contribution to the deepening of understanding between different churches functioning in Estonia in the years when he had worked in Estonia as well as in his present capacity. At today's meeting and at the following press conference the Head of Estonian state stressed that a successful solution to the issues of the Orthodox churches in Estonia was possible thanks to a favourable environment dominating there, as tolerance towards other peoples and their religion has been inherent to the Estonian state and its people. The President of the Republic as well as Patriarch Alexy II highlighted also the role of the Estonian Council of Churches in developing ecumenical dialogue and mutual understanding between churches in Estonia.
Patriarch Alexy II expressed his concern about the storm and floods, which had hit Estonia and President Rüütel gave an overview of the consequences brought about by the storm. Recalling the years he had worked in Estonia, the Patriarch mentioned also the successful resistance to the plans of mining activities at Kuremäe, referring to that as an example of the contribution of clergymen to the protection of environment.
The President of the Republic visited today also the Estonian Embassy in Moscow and had a meeting with Ambassador Karin Jaani and other diplomats working at the embassy. President Rüütel had lunch together with the diplomats at the embassy's dining room.
President Rüütel visited the International Democracy Foundation and met with the President of the Foundation Aleksander N. Jakovlev who is a meritorious Russian politician. A. N. Jakovlev's charitable and non-governmental foundation (www.idf.ru) facilitates development of democracy in Russia and publishes documents and studies, which reflect the 20th century political history in Russia.
Public Relations Unit of the Office of the President
Moscow, January 21, 2005
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