We live during quickly changing times. Just a scant fifteen years ago Estonians were exiles without a free homeland. With the re-independence of The Republic of Estonia, expatriates had an opportunity to finally emigrate and settle in their fatherland.

Huge breakthroughs have occurred in everyday life and the economic situation has improved by leaps and bounds. Considering all these changes and the fact that Estonia is both in NATO and The European Union would lead one to believe that life there is somehow secure.

Unfortunately, however, some home and foreign policy aspects of the political situation in Estonia are still rather questionable. In particular, the ill-defined border situation and questionable relations of some dignitaries with Russia demand a principled strategy to be worked out by reasonable and loyal countrymen.

A few Estonian national policies upon which the new Republic was founded are thought to be too patriotic in some political spheres. These former party members have yet to accept the fact that Estonia is a fully independent country and not subservient to its neighbors. They still yearn for the old days when others decided Estonia’s future rather than accept the fact that the present Estonian Republic is a continuation of that which was occupied and lost its freedom.

There is no question that Estonia must deal with Russia. That intercourse need to be based on the same fundamental principles of that our forefathers used in guiding them to the formation of the Republic of Estonia 87 years ago. The Peace Treaty of Tartu (1920) must be adhered to. Diligence must be used when our borders are negotiated and agreed upon and our national security must never be compromised.

We need to re-invigorate and intensify the clarification work of our positions both abroad here in Canada, as well as in Estonia. Our commitment to supporting the independence and freedom of the Estonian people must never waver. Estonians abroad must never again become exiles without a free homeland.

Long life to our people and country! Best wishes to everyone on the occasion of the 87th Anniversary of The Independence of The Republic of Estonia!

On behalf of The Estonian Central Council in Canada

AVO KITTASK, president

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