The Estonian Government met on March 20th for an extraordinary session to exchange information about the war in Iraq, that had started early in the morning. Foreign Minister Kristiina Ojuland, Defence Minister Sven Mikser, and Interior Minister Toomas Varek gave the Government an overview of the situation in connection with the war.
The Government sees no specific potential danger on Estonian territory in
connection with the start of the war. According to Prime Minister Siim
Kallas, the most important task for the Estonian Government, in the present situation, is to guarantee the security of Estonian citizens.
The Government approved the following position concerning the war in Iraq:
• We understand the need for disarming Iraq. The world needs to be convinced that there are no weapons of mass destruction on Iraqi territory. This is important for world security.
• It is deeply regrettable that Iraq did not make use of the opportunity, which existed, to solve the problem peacefully.
• We hope that only a minimal and short-term use of force will be necessary.
• We hope that a humanitarian catastrophe can be avoided, and that the war will not bring about a huge refugee exodus/crisis.
• Military intervention must, along with the disarmament of Iraq, relieve the situation of the Iraqi people. A primary task will be the supplying of the Iraqi people with food. All Iraqi resources must be used in the interests of the Iraqi people.
• The Iraqi people must, as soon as possible, have the right to participate in the formulating of the destiny of their country.
• The central role of the United Nations in post-conflict reconstruction must be guaranteed. The UN must give a legal and moral base to the whole activity. As many states as possible have to be engaged in this process.
• Estonia is ready, based upon the needs of the situation and its own
capabilities, to help regulate the post-conflict situation and participate
in the reconstruction of Iraq.
GOVERNMENT PRESS OFFICE
Estonia’s position on Iraq
Eestlased Eestis | 25 Mar 2003 | EWR
Eestlased Eestis
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