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Statement by the President of the Republic of Estonia Arnold Rüütel to the press following the meeting between the Presidents of Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and the USA07.05.2005
Dear Colleagues,
Members of the Press,
I was very pleased with today's meeting. I believe high-level interaction between our countries forms an important base for a fruitful and long-term co-operation.
The enthusiasm, the methods and the will with which the United States has supported our nation's efforts towards freedom has proven fruitful. As proof of that, we have seen a year of successful membership as equal allies in NATO and in the European Union.
Today's meeting is yet another confirmation of the strength of this profound and friendly alliance. We have just discussed possibilities and ways on how we can help other nations to achieve democracy, freedom, peace and welfare that are not yet available for everyone in the 21st century. I would like to assure you that Estonia is ready to share these experiences with countries that are trying to achieve these same objectives. I would also like to thank all the Estonian and American soldiers who are now in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo under complicated circumstances.
Estonia is very satisfied with the success of the Ukraine and Georgia and we are ready to provide our continuous support to these countries. In our conversation, we also mentioned relations with Russia. It is not only in the interests of Estonia, but also in the interests of all of us, to have a stable and democratic Russia as our partner who shares our common values and is open for constructive co-operation.
Although today we talked mainly about the future, we will also have to acknowledge that an honest analysis of the past is the groundwork for further international relations. This is the time when we are celebrating the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II and the victory over Nazism. However, this victory did not mean freedom and democracy for many nations. It was especially painful for the Baltic countries as they lost their independence for a long period of time. Here I would like to particularly stress the role of the United States who never recognized of the occupation of the Baltic countries.
Efforts of both the American and Baltic people allow us to celebrate the victory of freedom here in Riga today. Our nations are friends and allies who jointly stand for our common values in the trans-Atlantic space and in the entire world.
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