BRF

Reburial service held

Tue, 03 Jul 2007 18:19:00 +0300

�We have fulfilled our obligation and offered a last resting place for the soldiers,� were the comments of the Minister of Defence, Mr. Jaak Aaviksoo after today�s reburial service of the remains of eight soldiers at the cemetery of the Estonian Defence Forces.

The prayer for the dead was said by the chaplains of the Estonian Defence Forces, Maj. Laanepere, from the Estonian Evangelic Lutheran Church and Cpt Sarapik from the Estonian Apostle Orthodox Church of the Patriarchate of Constantinople.

This was followed by the unveiling of the name plaque, which bears the names of the deceased soldiers. On behalf of the Republic of Estonia, the Minister of Defence, Mr. Jaak Aaviksoo, Minister of Population Affairs, Mrs. Urve Palo, and Chairman of the National Defence Committee of Riigikogu, Mr. Mati Raidma laid the wreaths.

The diplomatic corps, Defence Attach�s to Estonia, war veterans� organisations, Tallinn Municipality, Estonia�s War Graves Maintenance Association, the War Graves Committee, and the Red Cross of Estonia were present at the service.

After the ceremony, the Minister of Defence made a statement for members of media: �Today, the remains of eight Red Army soldiers have finally been laid to rest. We truly hope that this will be their last resting place. We are relieved that their remains will no longer be exploited against the sovereign Republic of Estonia. We have fulfilled our obligation and have provided a final resting place for the soldiers.�

Today, however, we not only remember these eight Red Army soldiers, but all those killed in WW II; unfortunately, not all have been buried in a dignified manner. Many remains have been buried in unmarked graves from Moscow to Kaliningrad and Berlin. We hope one day that all persons killed in war will find a last resting place in sacred ground. It is our wish that the negotiations on the Protection of War Graves Act continue with Russia. May we always remember those who have been killed in war.

The identification codes of the soldiers, which were presented during the analysis of the T�nism�gi war graves, were placed near the remains and on the caskets. These codes have been matched with the DNA profiles kept in the archive; they are engraved on the EDF identification tags, which are made of stainless steel.

A temporary name plaque was unveiled, bearing the names engraved in Cyrillic, of the eight soldiers whose remains were not requested by relatives.

The name plaque bears the names of Lt. K.P. Kolesnikov, Lt.Col. I. Kotelnikov, Lt.Col. M.P. Kulikov, Maj. V.I. Kuznetsov, Lt. I.M. Lukanov, Cpt. I.S. Serkov, Sgt. V.I. Dav�dov, and Pv. D.A. Belov.

The layout of the caskets was arranged by experts from the Bureau of Forensic Medicine of Estonia, and the exact location of each casket was recorded. Estonia has delivered the exhumed remains of Cpt. Aleksei Brjantsev, Lt, Vassili Volkov, and Chief of the Medical Service, Mrs. Jelena Varshavskaja to relatives.

Two male relatives of Staff Sergeant Stepan Hapikalo ran a preliminary DNA-test, which matched the DNA-profile of the remains of one of the soldiers that Estonia has forwarded to Ukraine.

The relatives of Staff Sergeant Stepan Hapikalo have been extended an invitation to visit Estonia to complete the final DNA analysis.

Please find the pictures of the reburial service at: http://www.valitsus.ee/brf/?id=291099

The identification and reburial service of the remains excavated at T�nism�gi burial site

Tue, 03 Jul 2007 18:19:00 +0300

The preparatory work for the analysis of T�nism�gi War Graves began on the 26th of April 2007 and was completed on the 2nd of May. The reburial service of the remains of the Soviet soldiers excavated at the T�nism�gu burial site will be held on the 3rd of July near the bronze grave marker, which is located at the cemetery of the Estonian Defence Forces on 3 Filtri Road.

The archaeological excavations uncovered 12 well-preserved caskets. The Bureau of Forensic Medicine of Estonia corroborated the remains of the 12 adult individuals who were buried at T�nism�gi. On the basis of the DNA analysis, the remains of one skeleton uncovered in the caskets was confirmed as being female, and eleven were confirmed as being male. All of these 12 individuals were buried at the same time.

When compared, the positions of the remains and grave markers correspond to the burial positions shown in photographs dating to the time of original interment. Therefore, we can confidently assume that the recently exhumed remains found at T�nism�gi belong to the twelve individuals buried there in 1945, according to a certificate commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and compiled in 2006, which also provides probable names for the individuals.

Estonia has always been committed to identifying the remains of the exhumed individuals, which can be achieved by comparing the DNA of the remains with those of close biological relatives. To this end, the DNA-profiles of the persons buried at T�nism�gi have been forwarded to the Embassies of Russia and Ukraine in Tallinn.

Estonia is seeking Russia�s aid in providing the DNA profile of two close relatives for each of the exhumed individuals to complete the final DNA analysis. Estonia covered the expenses of collating and analysing these DNA profiles.

The Estonian Red Cross has been in contact with the Russian and Ukrainian Red Cross and has exchanged relevant information with these organisations.

To date, Estonia has delivered three of the exhumed remains to relatives.

The exhumed remains of Cpt. Aleksei Brjantsev excavated at T�nism�gi were the first remains of the 12 Soviet soldiers to be delivered to the relatives. The DNA analysis of Cpt. Aleksei Brjantsev�s son and granddaughter corroborated their kinship with Cpt. Aleksei Brjantsev. The reburial service of the remains of Cpt. Aleksei Brjantsev was held on 15th of June in Gukovo, Rostov District in Russia.

The collating of the DNA analysis of the sister of Lt. Vassili Volkov corroborated her kinship with her brother. The exhumed remains of Lt. Vassili Volkov were delivered to his sister on the 21st of June.

The reburial service of the exhumed remains of Red Army Lt. Vassili Volkov was held on the 26th June in Russia, near the memorial to victims of WW II in the Tver District in the centre of Kashin.

The collating of the DNA-test of Mr. Vladimir Parnes corroborated the kinship of the Chief of the Medical Service, Mrs. Jelena Varshavskaja, with the former, her cousin. On the 28th of June, the exhumed remains of Mrs. Jelena Varshavskaja were delivered to Mr. Parnes.

A preliminary DNA-test was run on the 29th of June, which revealed the identity of a fourth soldier of the Red Army buried at T�nism�gi. Two male relatives of Staff Sergeant Stepan Hapikalo ran a preliminary DNA-test, which matched the DNA-profile of the remains of one of the soldiers that Estonia has forwarded to Ukraine.

The relatives of Staff Sergeant Stepan Hapikalo have been extended an invitation to visit Estonia to complete the final DNA analysis; therefore, his remains will not be buried at the EDF cemetery together with the rest of the eight exhumed remains excavated at T�nism�gi burial site.

Reburial service to be held at 11.00 on 3rd July

Tue, 03 Jul 2007 12:03:00 +0300

The reburial service of the remains excavated at T�nism�gi burial site will be held at 11 am on the 3rd of July at the cemetery of the Estonian Defence Forces.

The Minister of Defence, Mr. Jaak Aaviksoo, Minister of Population Affairs, Mrs. Urve Palo, and Chairman of the National Defence Committee of Riigikogu, Mr. Mati Raidma will be in attendance at the service.

Invitations have been extended to the diplomatic corps, Defence Attach�s to Estonia, war veterans� organisations, Tallinn Municipality, Estonia�s War Graves Maintenance Association, the War Graves Committee, and the Red Cross of Estonia.

An invitation to the reburial service will serve as a permit for entry into the cemetery.

An hour-long military service will take place at the cemetery of the Estonian Defence Forces.

Estonia has fulfilled requests from relatives for the return of the remains of the three soldiers previously buried at T�nism�gi. Two male relatives of Staff Sergeant Stepan Hapikalo ran a preliminary DNA-test, which matched the DNA-profile of the remains of one of the soldiers that Estonia has forwarded to Ukraine.

The relatives of Staff Sergeant Stepan Hapikalo have been extended an invitation to visit Estonia to complete the final DNA analysis. However, it is not clear when they will be available to come to Estonia.

Eight caskets will be reburied at the ceremony. Identification codes of the remains, which were presented during the analysis of the T�nism�gi war graves will be placed near the remains and on the caskets. These codes have been matched with the DNA profiles kept in the archive; they are engraved on the EDF identification tags, which are made of stainless steel.

A temporary name plaque will be unveiled, bearing the names engraved in Cyrillic, of the eight soldiers whose remains were not requested by relatives.

The layout of the caskets will be arranged by experts from the Bureau of Forensic Medicine and the exact location of each casket will be recorded.

At the end of the service, the Minister of Defence will make a short statement in Estonian, and if needed, in English and Russian.

The Chairman of the War Graves Committee, Mr. Jaan Tross, and the Director of the Public Affairs Department, Mr. Madis Mikko, will respond to questions from the media at the gate, if required.

FOR EDITORIAL OFFICES!

The list of the accredited journalists to the reburial ceremony of the remains excavated from the T�nism�gi burial site will be checked at the gate. We kindly ask members of the media to have their passports ready for inspection and to be present no later than 10.30 am.

Ceremony

10.30-10.55
Visitors and media arrive. The representatives from the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs escort the visitors to a green area, which is located on the right-hand side of the monument. The gravel area on the left-hand side of the monument between the cenotaphs and the grave will be set aside for the media.

The service begins at 11 am.

* prayers held to bless the coffins followed by the burial service
* burial
* ceremonial placing of earth by EDF chaplains
* the covering of the grave accompanied by an orchestra
* a prayer for the dead
* the unveiling of the name plaque
* orchestra
* closure, visitors depart from cemetery

Reburial service set for 3rd July

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 20:53:00 +0300

The reburial service of the remains excavated at T�nism�gi burial site will be held at 11 am on the 3rd of July at the cemetery of the Estonian Defence Forces.

The Minister of Defence, Mr. Jaak Aaviksoo, Minister of Population Affairs, Mrs. Urve Palo, and Chairman of the National Defence Committee of Riigikogu, Mr. Mati Raidma will be in attendance at the service.

Invitations have been extended to the diplomatic corps, military attach�s to Estonia, war veterans� organisations, Tallinn Municipality, Estonia�s War Graves Maintenance Association, the War Graves Committee, and the Red Cross of Estonia.

An hour long military ceremony will take place at the cemetery of the Estonian Defence Forces, during which the remains of the individuals killed in WWII will be reburied. The chaplains of the Estonian Defence Forces, Maj. Laanepere and Cpt. Sarapik will say a prayer for the dead. Following the prayer, a name plaque will be unveiled and wreaths will be laid in honour of the deceased.

FOR EDITORIAL OFFICES!

The accreditation of journalists to the reburial ceremony of the remains excavated from the T�nism�gi burial site has begun.

Please send your application for accreditation to: press@kmin.ee or meeli.hunt@kmin.ee

The application should include surname, name, date of birth, ID number, address of place of work in Estonia or abroad, telephone number, e-mail address. In addition, include the name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address of the agency or newspaper.

For additional information, please telephone any of the following numbers: 7170078, 533 02328 or 7170024, 501 2420.

MoD establishes reburial committee

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 18:53:00 +0300

The Minister of Defence, Mr. Jaak Aaviksoo, established a committee at the Ministry of Defence today to co-ordinate the preparation and organisation of the reburial ceremony for the remains found at T�nism�gi.

The Minister of Defence appointed Mr. Jaan Tross (who is also the Chairman of the War Graves Committee) to act as the chairman of the committee; the members of the committee include officials from the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the General Staff of the Defence Forces.

The committee decided that the reburial ceremony of the remains found from T�nism�gi would take place in Tallinn on the 3rd of July 2007.

Estonia is interested in co-operating with the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Tallinn in an attempt to identify the remains and contact the close relatives of the deceased.

For each of the deceased, Estonia is prepared to cover the travel expenses of two close relatives who would like to participate in the reburial ceremony.

Construction works have begun at the Garrison cemetery in Tallinn

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 22:08:00 +0300

Today construction of the lime stone wall started at the Garrison cemetery in Tallinn. The lime stone wall will be situated behind the bronze monument that was placed to the cemetery on April, 30.

The constructed wall will be adjusted to the Garrison cemetery in the best possible way, taking into account the surrounding environment, the lime stone masonry surrounding the site of the area and the high furbishing. The War Graves Committee reached the decision at their meeting on May, 18.

The digging of a trench at the grave site, accompanied by the casting of a reinforced concrete slab foundation and the construction of a concrete block structure on armour netting, covered with axed slab, is required for the building of the grave marker. As requested by construction experts, the bronze monument will be fitted onto a specially prepared temporary foundation, located on the adjacent ground.

As the foundation will be built on fine sand, geologists will take soil samples before the commencement of works to determine which layers of soil will remain under the foundation of the wall and the depth of the load-bearing layer of soil.

The trench will be cut down to the load-bearing layer of soil; excessive soil from the trench will be removed. All the safety requirements will be observed at the site.

The site where the technical equipment is in use will be enclosed by a 2 m high mesh fence, extending to 300 metres, for the period of construction works..

The work is due for completion in the second half of June.

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Public Affairs Department
E-mail: press@kmin.ee

Results of T�nism�gi remains

Wed, 23 May 2007 15:56:00 +0300

Today, May 18th, the Bureau of Forensic Medicine of Estonia concluded the research of the remains of the 12 adult individuals who were buried at T�nism�gi. On the basis of the DNA analysis, the remains of one individual were confirmed as being female, and eleven were confirmed as being male. All of these 12 individuals were buried at the same time.

When compared, the positions of the remains and grave markers correspond to the burial positions shown in photographs dating to the original interment. Therefore, we can confidently assume that the recently exhumed remains found at T�nism�gi belong to the twelve individuals buried there in 1945, according to a certificate commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and compiled in 2006, which also provides fourteen probable names for the individuals.

The DNA profiles of the 12 individuals have been forwarded to the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Tallinn.

To date, the Bureau of Forensic Medicine of Estonia has not received any identification requests from probable relatives in Estonia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested the Russian Federation to inform Estonia about probable close relatives living in Russia by the 7th of June.

Estonia has not received any definite identification request from close relatives through the Estonian Red Cross. However, the Estonian Red Cross has had contacts with two probable close relatives who live in Arhangelsk.

The Estonian Red Cross has had contacts with the Russian and Ukrainian Red Cross and exchanged relevant information with these organisations.

Additionally, Estonia will provide for any DNA analysis of likely close relatives residing in this country. These persons living in Estonia should contact the Estonian Red Cross for more detailed information.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expects the Russian Embassy in Tallinn to forward all information concerning close relatives living in the Russian Federation.

Factfile: Information update 8 May 2007

Fri, 18 May 2007 17:22:00 +0300

Factfile: information update 8 May 2007

Police Information related to 8 May and 9 May

In Tallinn and the county of Harjumaa, public gatherings are prohibited until 11 May. The police will not interfere with the laying of flowers or with other peaceful ways of commemorating those who were killed in World War II. However, such commemoration must not be accompanied by public gatherings, incitement to hatred or other violations of public order.

Information from Prosecutor�s Office as of 7 May

There have been 63 criminal proceedings initiated all over Estonia, most of them due to aggravated breach of public order committed in groups.
55 persons have been arrested, including 4 citizens of Russia (1 of them arrested in Tallinn and 3 in the county of Ida-Virumaa), 25 Estonian citizens, 25 stateless persons and one citizen of Lithuania. All citizens of foreign countries have been guaranteed the right to meet with the consular staff of his/her country without any interference.
By today, the Prosecutor�s Office has received in total 6 complaints on the action taken by the police. All these complaints will be thoroughly examined. In case of establishing any elements of criminal offence a criminal investigation will be initiated in order to study all the circumstances in more detail. Today, there has been identified no reasons for initiating criminal proceedings.
Individual approach will be used in case of all the suspects and they will be treated as any other person suspected of a criminal offence: considering all the circumstances, both mitigating and aggravating. Therefore, also the punishments will be different � in some cases imprisonment cannot be avoided but in case of the others a fair punishment can be community service.
Only the most dangerous offenders have been arrested: persons already punished for committing criminal offence, those caught at the crime scenes with physical evidence (e.g. stolen merchandise) or those suspected in organising the disorders. There are some minors among the persons arrested.

Identification of Remains, Future of Grave Marker

On 7 May the Ministry of Foreign Affairs delivered Nikolai Uspenski, the Ambassador of the Russian Federation, a diplomatic note informing Russia about the remains discovered at T�nism�gi. It is highly probable that the remains belong to the soldiers of the Soviet Army. The Minister of Foreign Affairs will send a note with similar content also to the Embassy of Ukraine.
The test results of the Bureau of Forensic Medicine of Estonia indicate that there were the remains of 12 adults buried at T�nism�gi. Based on external inspection at least 9 of the persons buried were men but the final results will be available after getting the results of a DNA analysis.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs asked the Embassy of the Russian Federation to inform the Estonian authorities by 7 June at the latest about all close relatives who would like to attend the reburial ceremony, in order to consider that while organising the ceremony. Estonia will cover the costs of two close relatives attending the reburial ceremony. The reburial of the remains to the Cemetery of Defence Forces located at Filtri tee, Tallinn, is planned to take place in the second half of June this year.

Integrating Estonia

It is clear that today we need more dialogue in our society for discussing both our current situation and the steps to be taken in the future. The cornerstone of the integration policy has been and continues to be the principle that all the people living in Estonia must have equal opportunities. Government has been an active supporter of the preservation of the languages and cultures of our national minorities and plans to pursue this policy also in the future. The National Integration Strategy for 2008-2013 being prepared includes several important additions and new activities.
On 7 May was launched a news portal in Russian at http://novosti.etv24.ee/, some broadcasts of the Estonian national TV will have Russian subtitles and the foundation of a digital TV channel in Russian is being considered.

Government lays a wreath at the momument to Unknown Soldier at the cemetery of the Estonian Defence Forces

Wed, 09 May 2007 15:41:00 +0300

Tallinn, 8 May 2007 �The members of the Government of the Republic and the diplomats of foreign embassies residing in Estonia commemorated the victims of WWII by laying a wreath at the momument to Unknown Soldier at the cemetery of the Estonian defence Forces in Tallinn.

Prime Minister, Mr. Andrus Ansip, Minister of Population, Ms. Urve Palo, and Minister of Defence, Mr. Jaak Aaviksoo, attended the ceremony. Around twenty ambassadors and diplomats residing in Estonia were also present. No speeches were made during the ceremony.

The cemetery of the Estonian Defence Forces established in Tallinn in 1887 was first used for burying the soldiers of tsarist Russia. During the German occupation in 1918 there were also German soldiers buried at this cemetery. Between the Estonian War of Independence and WWII the cemetery of the Estonian Defence Forces was used for burying Estonian soldiers. At this cemetery rest also the British soldiers who gave their lives in the War of Independence. During the Soviet occupation the authorities destroyed hundreds of graves that are currently being restored.

The celebration of the end of WWII started this morning when the Government laid a wreath to the Holocaust memorial at Klooga, thereby condemning all those who committed crimes against humanity and organised mass repressions in Estonia.

A wreath will be laid also to the memorial square at Maarjam�e for those who fought in defence of Estonia.

Remembrance held for all who lost their lives as victims of repressions perpetrated by occupying forces

Tue, 08 May 2007 11:51:00 +0300

Today, members of the Government and foreign ambassadors and diplomats based in Tallinn attended a special laying of wreaths at Maarjam�e memorial ground for the Estonian units who fought in defence of their country. Also, a special remembrance was held for all who lost their lives as victims of repressions perpetrated by occupying forces.

This was the last of the Memorial Day events.

The Defence Minister, Mr. Jaak Aaviksoo, when addressing the journalists at the Maarjam�e memorial ground said the following: �Today is a special day for us because in addition to it being the day for celebrating the end of World War II, it also lays to rest the tension surrounding the Bronze Soldier monument.�

�The Bronze Soldier at its new home in the cemetery of the Estonian Defence Forces is now truly a symbol of our mutual grief and loss, and not opposition, as it was formerly at T�nism�gi,� underlined the minister

�The presence of foreign ambassadors at the monument of the unknown soldier here today is a sign of this reconciliation,� the minister added.

Estonia, together with Europe and the United States of America, celebrates the end of World War II today, by remembering all of those who died during World War II and honouring those who helped to defeat Nazism in Europe.

Earlier this morning, members of the Government, representatives of the Jewish community, and foreign ambassadors and diplomats based in Tallinn, attended a special laying of wreaths at the holocaust memorial in Klooga.

The Ministry of Defence has accredited 109 foreign journalists, photographers, and camera personnel to cover the Memorial Day events. The following TV channels were represented: BBC, TV 4 from Sweden, Nelonen from Finland, YLE from Finland, Russia Today TV, Ren TV from Moscow, and ZDF from Germany.

The news agencies and press included Associated Press, Helsingin Sanomat, Svenska
Dagbladet, The Times, Komsomolskaja Pravda and Kommersant, as well as several Finnish, Swedish, and Latvian newspapers.

National broadcasters from the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Poland, Japan, and Ireland had also expressed their interest in covering the Memorial Day events.

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Public Affairs Department
Telephone no.s: 717 0024 and 7170 078
E-mail: press@kmin.ee

Government lays a wreath at the momument to Unknown Soldier at the cemetery of the Estonian Defence Forces

Tue, 08 May 2007 14:29:00 +0300

On 8th of May, members of the Government attended a special laying of wreaths at the cemetery of the Estonian Defence Forces, in honour of the victims of World War II. This Memorial Day event was also attended by foreign ambassadors based in Tallinn.

The cemetery of the Estonian Defence Forces, a dignified and honourable last resting place for those killed in combat, has functioned as a cemetery since the 19th century.
This international cemetery has formerly served as the final resting place for soldiers of different nationalities including Estonian, Russian, and British.

The Memorial Day events include a special laying of wreaths at the Maarjam�e memorial ground for the Estonia units who fought in defence of their country.

On the 22nd of November 2004, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II, whereby the 8th and 9th of May were declared days of commemoration and reconciliation. The resolution called for a suitable tribute on one or both of these days each year, to honour all those who lost their lives as a result of the war. Estonia had also supported this resolution and celebrated the 60th anniversary of World War II on the 8th of May 2005, commemorating those who died in combat as well as those who were victims of repressions and crimes perpetrated by occupying forces during the war.

The events of World War II decimated countries and nations; however, although suffering was great, there was also reconciliation and pardoning. Together, the foundations of the European Union were laid to prevent such devastation ever occurring again. On Wednesday, the 9th of May, Europe Day will be celebrated as a day of reconciliation and forgiveness. It is as important in Estonia, as it is throughout Europe, that we respect each other and our nation.

Estonia extends note on T�nism�gi remains to Russia

Tue, 08 May 2007 13:39:00 +0300

On Monday, the 7th of May, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia extended a note to the Ambassador of the Russian Federation, Mr. Nikolai Uspenski, informing him that the remains found at T�nism�gi most probably belong to Soviet soldiers.

The research data from the Bureau of Forensic Medicine of Estonia confirms that twelve adult individuals were buried at T�nism�gi. From external observations, nine of the individuals can be confirmed as being male. Upon receipt of the DNA results, final confirmation and details will be forwarded.

The reburial ceremony for these twelve individuals is scheduled to take place in the second half of June at the Estonian Defence Forces cemetery on 14 Filtri Road. In preparation for the ceremony, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested the Russian Embassy to inform the Estonian authorities by the 7th of June if close relatives of the deceased would like to participate. The travel expenses of two close relatives of each of the deceased will be covered by the Estonian nation.

Estonia is committed to identifying the remains, which can be achieved by comparing the DNA of the remains with those of close biological relatives. To this end, Estonia is seeking Russia�s aid in providing the DNA profile of two close relatives for each of the exhumed individuals. Estonia will reimburse the expenses of collating and analysing these DNA profiles. Additionally, Estonia will provide for any DNA analysis of likely close relatives residing in this country. These persons living in Estonia should contact the Estonian Red Cross for more detailed information.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs requests the Russian Federation to forward all information concerning close relatives living in Russia via the Russian Embassy in Tallinn.

The Embassy of the Russian Federation has been requested to forward the necessary information as soon as possible, as final preparations for the reburial ceremony will be made by the 7th of June.

The public will be informed in detail of the identification process by the end of this week.

FOREIGN MINISTRY PRESS SERVICE
6 377 654
50 94 645
pressitalitus@mfa.ee
www.vm.ee

Ministry of Defence Public Affairs Department
717 00 78
press@kmin.ee
www.kmin.ee

The memorial day of World War II victims

Tue, 08 May 2007 10:03:00 +0300

On May 8, Estonia together with Europe and the United States of America, will celebrate the end of the World War II.

On May 8, the Republic of Estonia will commemorate all those who were killed in the World War II and recognises the contribution of all those who helped to break the fascism in Europe.

The Government of Estonia condemns the activity of those who perpetrated crimes against humanity on the territory of our country and who organized mass repressions.

To honour those who died and suffered in the World War II, the Members of Government will lay wreaths to the Holocaust memorial at Klooga, to the cemetery of the Defence Army and to the memorial square of Maarjam�e.

Together with the members of the Estonian Government the ambassadors residing in Tallinn will partake in the memorial day. In the name of the diplomatic corps a wreath will be laid by its dean.

On November 22, 2004, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the end of the World War II, where the 8th and 9th of May were declared days of commemoration and reconciliation. The resolution called upon suitable celebration of one or both of these days each year, to honour all those who lost their lives in the World War II. Estonia had also supported this resolution and celebrated the 60th anniversary of the World War II on May 8, 2005, commemorating those who died in World War II as well as those who were victims of repressions and crimes perpetrated by occupating forces during the war.

The World War II plundered countries and nations, however, even after horrendous sufferings, there was reconciliation and pardoning. Together, the foundations of the European Union were laid, so that such violence between countries and nations would never occur again.

On Wednesday, May 9, the European Day will be celebrated as a day of reconciliation and forgiving. Estonia is part of Europe and it is important that we do care for each other and for our country and that we respect those around us.

Editorial boards

Media bus

To cover in the best way the events of the 8 May commemorative day, a press bus has been planned for journalists, photographers and operators, with departure on 8 May at 8.30 AM in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islandi Square 1. The press representatives are kindly asked to be present at 8.20.

Timetable of events for the memorial day

8:30
Gathering and departure from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islandi Square 1.
We kindly ask all press personnel to be present at 8:20 am.

9:30
A special laying of wreaths at the holocaust memorial in Klooga.

9:50
Departure from Klooga.

11:00
A special laying of wreaths at the cemetery of the Estonian Defence Forces, 14 Filtri Road.

11:30
A special laying of wreaths at Maarjam�e memorial ground.

Tel: 7170 078
E-mail: press@kmin.ee

Memorial Day on 8th May for the victims of World War II

Mon, 07 May 2007 23:52:00 +0300

On Tuesday the 8th of May, the Republic of Estonia will hold a special Memorial Day to remember all of those who died during World War II and honour those who helped to defeat fascism and Nazism in Europe. The Government of Estonia condemns the activities of all persons who committed crimes against humanity or those who orchestrated mass repressions in the territory of our country.

On this day, the Government of the Republic will attend a special laying of wreaths at the holocaust memorial in Klooga, the cemetery of the Estonian Defence Forces, and Maarjam�e memorial ground, in honour of the victims of the war. The Memorial Day events will also be attended by the foreign ambassadors and diplomats based in Tallinn. A wreath representing the diplomatic corps will also be laid.

There are no speeches or statements planned for the Memorial Day.

Editorial Offices:

The programme of events to be held on 8th May will be announced at 5.30 p.m. on Monday, 7th May in the Ministry of Defence.

Factfile: Topical issues 4 May 2007

Mon, 07 May 2007 15:05:00 +0300

Factfile: Topical issues 4 May 2007

International relations

The Estonian Embassy in Moscow has restarted the provision of consular services.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises all travellers to Russia consider the urgency of their trip and be careful and attentive during their trip.
The Government is grateful to all friends and allies that have shown their support. Both the EU and NATO have demanded that Russia fulfil its obligation and comply with the Vienna convention to ensure the safety of the Estonian Embassy and diplomats. Amongst others, the USA, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Sweden, Germany, Poland, Georgia and Macedonia have expressed their support in recent days.

Identification of remains and future of the grave monument

Archaeological excavations at T�nism�gi have been completed. 12 caskets with remains have been found in the war grave at T�nism�gi. The caskets were found buried in two rows at the side of Kaarli Church that faces towards Freedom Square.
The caskets and skeletal remains are in good condition. The archaeological excavations did not uncover any documents. Excavation works were carried out smoothly and without any obstacles.
The remains were taken to the autopsy facility of the Bureau of Forensic Medicine of Estonia. The remains will be cleaned and completed and prepared for identification. This will be followed by taking a DNA sample from the remains, the results of which will be ready in a week. For more information see http://www.mod.gov.ee/.
According to the Estonian Red Cross, relatives have not shown any interest in visiting the grave site. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will send Russia a note on the results of the identification process for publication.
The temporary tent which covered the war graves excavation site at T�nism�gi was taken down on May 3. The landscaping works will be in progress until mid-May. The area will be covered with flowers. The perimeter fence will be removed at the end of the landscaping works.
The grave monument has been erected at the cemetery of the Estonian Defence Forces (14 Filtri Road) which is a suitable and dignified location for the bronze sculpture.
In the middle of May works to restore the grave monument will start at the cemetery of the Estonian Defence Forces, works will be completed by the end of June, followed by the reburial of remains and an opening ceremony.
The end of WWII is celebrated on 8 May worldwide. The commemoration of the victims of WWII will take place on 8 May in the cemetery of the Estonian Defence Forces. The monument for holocaust victims will be visited prior to and the graves of German, Russian and Estonian soldiers at Maarjam�gi after the commemoration ceremony at the cemetery of the Defence Forces. The diplomatic corps in Estonia has also been invited.
On 9 May we celebrate Europe Day. As in previous years, various events will take place all over Estonia on that day.

Indemnification of losses

The Government has allocated 20 million Estonian kroons from its reserve to indemnify for the losses incurred during the mass violations of public order in Tallinn and J�hvi on 26-28 April. The state will collect the applications of victims and then claim damages from those responsible for the losses.
Losses will be indemnified to victims with our without an insurance contract. Non-material damage and loss of profit will not be indemnified. Public offices will cover losses with their own funds.
Losses will be indemnified on the basis of a reasoned application submitted to the Ministry of Finance. For application instructions see http://www.fin.ee/.

Security

Public Prosecutor�s Office started a criminal procedure to investigate into the massive attacks against Estonian internet servers.
All public meetings in Tallinn and Harjumaa (but not public events) are prohibited until 11 May.
Information from the Prosecutor�s Office, 3 May
57 criminal procedures have been initiated: 3 in the Public Prosecutor�s Office; 19 in the Northern Circuit Prosecutor�s Office; 35 in Viru Circuit Prosecutor�s Office.
Most criminal procedures concern severe violation of public order by resisting law enforcement authorities (Penal Code � 263 (1), (2), (4)). There are also some criminal procedures concerning violence against police officers (Penal Code � 275), organising mass disorders (Penal Code � 238), committing offences during mass disorders (Penal Code � 239) and dishonouring the memory of the deceased (Penal Code � 149). The Northern Circuit Prosecutor�s Office has initiated a criminal procedure concerning a homicide (Penal Code � 113).
There are over 300 suspects in the above-mentioned criminal procedures. Only persons suspected of a criminal offence can be taken into custody.

The grave marker at the Military Cemetery at Filtri street

Fri, 04 May 2007 18:01:00 +0300

The grave marker at the Military Cemetery at Filtri street. The commemoration of the victims of the Second World War will take place on 8 May in the cemetery of the Defence Forces at the temporary site of the monument.

The relocation of the monument together with the limestone wall will be completed by end of June. The picture below is a photocomposition.

Landscaping work in progress at 13 Kaarli Rd

Tue, 01 May 2007 23:21:00 +0300

At noon today, landscaping works will begin on the green area at 13 Kaarli Rd. in a co-operation project between the Ministry of Defence and the Environment Department.

The landscaping will be completed by mid May.

The landscaping works will be carried out in accordance with � 11, subsection 2 of the Protection of War Graves Act, which stipulates that the Ministry of Defence shall restore the site, with the exception of the war graves and memorial, to its state prior to excavation within 3 months of the completion of the archaeological excavations.

The landscaping plans have been developed by experts from the Environment Department.

The MoD extends its gratitude to the Municipality of Tallinn for its co-operation in preparing the site for landscaping.

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Public Affairs Department
Telephone no.s: 717 0024 and 7170 078
E-mail: press@kmin.ee

Tent taken down at T�nism�gi

Fri, 04 May 2007 16:07:00 +0300

The temporary tent which covered the war graves excavation site at T�nism�gi was taken down earlier today, 3 May.

The tent was erected in compliance with international practises and agreements, which include Disaster Victims Identification (DVI), developed by INTERPOL, and general procedures for forensic medicine and forensic anthropology (Please refer to: http://www.interpol.int/Public/DisasterVictim/Guide/Default.asp).

Once the excavations have been completed, the site will be landscaped in accordance with the Protection of War Graves Act, which stipulates that the site should be restored to its state prior to excavation. The landscaping will be in progress until the middle of May.

The ceremony for the reburial of the remains is scheduled to take place at the end of June in the cemetery of the Estonian Defence Forces.

NATO Secretary General to the President of the Republic: the alliance supports Estonia

Thu, 03 May 2007 22:57:00 +0300

NATO Secretary General to the President of the Republic: the alliance supports Estonia
03.05.2007

In yesterday�s telephone call to President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer confirmed the alliance�s support for Estonia and expressed serious concern about Russia�s behavior toward its neighboring state.

�The relocation of a Second World War grave marker or monument is Estonia�s internal affair,� said the NATO Secretary General.

He condemned the anti-Estonian propaganda campaign initiated by Russia as well as the interference of the Russian Federation in Estonia�s internal affairs.

Scheffer said that Russia should immediately free the Estonian Embassy in Moscow from the blockade of demonstrators, terminate its violation of the Vienna Convention, and guarantee the security of Estonian diplomats.

The NATO Secretary General expressed concern about the cyber attacks on Estonian state institutions.

President Ilves informed de Hoop Scheffer that some of these attacks originated from computers in Russia�s governmental agencies.

Chronology of events

Thu, 03 May 2007 11:36:00 +0300

Chronology of events [2 May 2007]

1. On 10 January 2007 the Riigikogu passed the Protection of War Graves Act which entered into force on 20 January.

2. With the order of 27 February the Minister of Defence added the grave site at T�nism�gi and the cemetery of the Estonian Defence Forces in Tallinn to the list of war graves.

3. On 13 March the War Graves Committee advised the Government to rebury the remains located at 13 Kaarli Avenue and take the grave monument from T�nism�gi to the cemetery of the Estonian Defence Forces at 14 Filtri Road.

4. With the order of 18 April the Minister of Defence commissioned the archaeological excavations and identification of the remains of war victims buried at T�nism�gi with the aim of establishing the exact location and number of caskets.

5. On the same day a notification of the commencement of excavation works was sent to Tallinn City Government and the National Heritage Board. The Cultural Heritage Department was notified a day later.

6. With the order of 19 April the Government established the regulations for the management of the cemeteries of the Estonian Defence Forces. With the same order the garrison code of the Defence Forces was amended. The order entered into force on 23 April.

7. With the order of 19 April the Minister of Defence established the requirements for the reburial of the remains of war victims. The order entered into force on 26 April. On the same day amendments to the relevant orders of the Minister of Social Affairs and Minister of Culture took effect.

8. On 26 April, seven days from notification, the grave site at T�nism�gi was surrounded with a fence to start archaeological excavations.

9. On the same day up to 1,500 people gathered at T�nism�gi. At 21.20 some of the crowd started to behave aggressively. Acts of vandalism were committed in the area of cinema Kosmos, Endla Street and Freedom Square: people broke windows, set objects on fire, vandalised cars and turned at least 13 cars upside down.

10. In the early morning of 27 April the Government, taking into account the events of the previous night, increased security risks, and the advice of the War Graves Committee, decided to relocate the grave monument immediately.

11. Riots continued at the night of 28 April and spread from Tallinn to Ida-Viru County.

12. Archaeological excavations began on 28 April after a mass at T�nism�gi.

13. At the night of 29 April minor incidents took place in Tallinn and Ida-Viru County.

14. The grave monument was taken to its new location at the cemetery of the Estonian Defence Forces on Monday, 30 April.

Factfile: Topical issues 2 May 2007

Wed, 02 May 2007 22:13:00 +0300

Factfile: Topical issues 2 May 2007

Identification of remains and future of the grave monument

On 30 April, the representatives of the Bureau of Forensic Medicine of Estonia, the National Heritage Board and the Estonian Red Cross gave an overview of the archaeological excavations at T�nism�gi at a press conference at the Ministry of Defence.
Twelve graves had been uncovered in the archaeological excavations in T�nism�gi. The caskets were found beneath the trees and partially under the footpath. The caskets are in two rows at a depth of 135 to 150 cm. The skeletons are quite well preserved.
Those buried at T�nism�gi in 1944 were Russian soldiers killed during WWII. According to historical sources, the number of bodies was expected to range from 12 to 14.
The identification of remains will be carried out in conjunction with high state offices and specialists according to valid rules, customs and agreements.
According to the Estonian Red Cross, relatives have not shown any interest in visiting the grave site. One of the activities of the Red Cross is to search and locate war graves all over the world at the request of relatives. No requests have been forwarded to the Estonian Red Cross with regard to the T�nism�gi War Graves. However, the Estonian Red Cross is ready to handle such requests.
If the identification procedure is successful, the Red Cross will contact the relatives of the deceased, in conjunction with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defence.
The grave monument has been erected in the cemetery of Estonian Defence Forces on 14 Filtri Road, Tallinn and can be accessed freely.
The cemetery of the Estonian Defence Forces is part of Tallinn Siselinna Cemetery. It was founded during WWI as a cemetery for Tallinn�s garrison. The register of those buried in that cemetery in 1918-1944 contains over 1,150 names and is preserved in the city�s central archives.
The cemetery�s burial ground is covered with straight rows of gravestones with the names of people buried since 1941 and serves as the final resting place of Soviet soldiers.
Different parts of the cemetery commemorate members of the air force who were killed in WWII. The grave of the submariners killed onboard M-81 on 21 July 1941 has special designation. The graves of the naval members of the Baltic Fleet in the centre of the cemetery are marked with a collective monument.
Between those burial grounds there is a triangular square surrounded with a limestone wall. In the centre of the equilateral triangle stands a monument consisting of two triangular dolomite prisms. The two parts are connected with a bronze pentagon. The sides of the monument feature the worlds �To an unknown soldier� In Estonian and Russian.
The commemoration of the victims of WWII will take place on 8 May in the cemetery of the Estonian Defence Forces at the site of the monument.
The grave monument is intact and has not been damaged during the events of the past days. In 1947 sculpturing techniques were not advanced enough to produce such monuments in one piece. The bronze sculpture that was cast into a plaster model by sculptor Enn Roos and put together from several (up to 10) parts. Those parts were connected with dowels and the joints were smoothened.

Indemnification of losses

The state will indemnify for the losses that were incurred as a result of the massive violations of public order in the past days. To receive indemnification, victims need to turn to the police and obtain a certificate for starting an indemnification procedure.
The state will indemnify its citizens for the losses. As soon as all claims have been collected, the state will reclaim the money from the persons responsible for the losses. The state will initiate civil proceedings against the criminals after the conclusion of indemnification procedures and prosecution.
The decision concerns the consequences of the acts of vandalism and looting in J�hvi and Tallinn. Claims related to losses in other regions in Estonia will be analysed separately.
Additional information about indemnification of losses can be obtained from the Ministry of Financial Affairs at http://www.fin.ee/ or by calling +372 611 3077 or writing to helen.ojamaa@fin.ee.

Police information

All public meetings in Tallinn and surrounding Harjumaa county are prohibited until 11 May.
All in all, around 1,200 people were arrested in Tallinn. Most of them have also been released.
51 people have been taken into custody: 26 Estonian citizens, 23 people without citizenship, one citizen of the Russian Federation and one Lithuanian citizen. Criminal proceedings have been started against 45 people with the total number of suspects over 300. One citizen of the Russian Federation with a tourist visa who had participated in the violations was expelled from Estonia.
The police have not used unjustified violence against vandals or detainees. All detainees live in humane conditions. People who have to remain in detention over 48 hours are offered three meals a day. The detainees are under the supervision of medical workers and receive medical help if necessary. The Chancellor of Justice Mr. Allar J�ks has also met the detainees. According to the Chancellor of Justice, the rights of the detainees have not been violated.
One person was killed and 156 injured in the riots, including 29 police officers. During three days one person was killed in Tallinn. Let me emphasise that, contrary to the information spread mostly in the Russian media, the Estonian Police was not involved in this unfortunate incident. It is beyond question that the death of this person was the result of a fight between two people that participated in the riot.
Altogether 29 criminal proceedings have been started. Most of them concern aggravated breach of public order (Penal Code � 263).

General

The Republic of Estonia honours, like all other EU Member States, the memory of all the victims of WWII. We value highly the contribution of those nations who fought ardently for the destruction of Nazism and fascism. The Government of the Republic of Estonia condemns the activities of all persons who committed crimes against humanity and mass repressions on its territory.
The grave monument had to be removed from T�nism�gi for the following reasons: 1) the monument which for some celebrates the defeat of fascism, is a painful reminder of occupation for others; 2) the monument had become and would always have been a symbol of hate; it also attracted political provocations; 3) T�nism�gi square in central Tallinn was not a dignified place for war graves.
The Government�s plan was to remove the grave monument peacefully, after the completion of archaeological excavations. Unfortunately there was a violent reaction already during preparatory works. That is why it was not possible to inform the population immediately about the course of planned works.
To avoid further outbreaks of violence the relocation of the monument had to be carried out as quickly as possible.

MOD releases overview of archaeological excavations at T�nism�gi

Wed, 02 May 2007 18:26:00 +0300

At a press conference at the Ministry of Defence today, the 2nd of May 2007, an overview of the results of the archaeological excavations at the site of the war grave at T�nism�gi was given. Twelve caskets complete with remains have been excavated from the site of the T�nism�gi War Graves.

The Director of the Bureau of Forensic Medicine of Estonia, Mr. �llar Lanno, informed the reporters present that the caskets and the respective remains were well preserved. �Skeletal remains were found in all 12 caskets, and they are all in good condition,� said Mr. Lanno when introducing the results of the archaeological excavations. He added that no documents were found during the excavations.

�The 12 caskets were found buried in two rows at the side of Kaarli Church that faces towards Freedom Square,� he added.

When introducing the results of the excavations, the Chief Inspector of Archaeology for the National Heritage Board, Mr. Ants Karut, mentioned that all the known burial places at the site, as shown on photographs dating to the time period of the burials, had been excavated. �No funerals had taken place on this site prior to this period or have taken place since,� he explained to the journalists. He also mentioned that the state of both the caskets and remains made them relatively easy to excavate.

The remains have been taken to the autopsy facility of the Bureau of Forensic Medicine of Estonia. Dr. �llar Lanno said that the remains will be cleaned, completed, and prepared for identification. This will be followed by taking a DNA sample from the remains, the results of which will be ready in a week. Dr. Lanno explained to the journalists that when the DNA sample, which was taken from the remains, will be ready it will be possible to compare it with that of possible relatives, after which an individual buried in the war grave can be identified.

The MOD Director of the Public Affairs Department, Mr. Madis Mikko, mentioned that should the individuals who have been buried in this war grave be positively identified, the Republic of Estonia will inform the Russian Federation. Also, the Red Cross will forward information requests to all the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States. �These people who suspect that their relative may have been buried in this war grave should contact Estonia directly,� added Mr. Mikko.

The following national forensic medical institutions will carry out the identification procedure: the Bureau of Forensic Medicine of Estonia, and the Forensic Service Centre. The identification procedure will be carried out in accordance with international regulations, practises, and agreements. These include Disaster Victims Identification (DVI), procedures for forensic anthropology, and methods and recommendations for the archaeological and anthropological investigations of war graves.

Once the excavations have been completed the site will be landscaped, in accordance with the Protection of War Graves Act, which stipulates that the site should be restored to its state prior to excavation.

The landscaping will be in progress until the middle of May 2007. The perimeter fence will be removed at the end of the landscaping works.

The reburial ceremony of the remains is scheduled to take place at the end of June in the cemetery of the Estonian Defence Forces.

Statement of the President of the Republic: We can Agree Upon a Common Future

Wed, 02 May 2007 16:56:00 +0300

Statement of the President of the Republic: We can Agree Upon a Common Future
2 May 2007

Dear fellow countrymen!

On this spring day, I wish to be very straightforward with you.

For me, the past week has been a source of disappointment. I am disappointed that there are people in Estonia who have no respect or esteem for their fellow citizens, or for the state and the society they live in. Nor is my disappointment relieved by the understanding that all in all, such people are very few and their activities mostly a result of provocation or instigation.

We must truthfully admit that the aim of the hate-mongers was foul � they wished that Estonians and Russians should not get along. Yet the hate-mongers are bound to be disappointed, because we shall not be drawn into discord. This is the best way to show that we are above those who manipulate us. I know that our country is rich in both wise Estonians as well as wise Russians, and I know also that neither of them are as stupid as to be affected by toothless hate-mongers.

A few days ago, I found a webpage with several snapshots of Tallinn, set up by a young woman called Maria, under an extremely relevant heading � �We are Russians, but our homeland is Estonia�. Thank you, Maria!

An honest look will tell us that most of our Russian-speaking compatriots have been on Estonia�s side during the troubled nights and days of the past week. You were with all of us, on the side of order and public safety, and I thank you for that. Let us not be misled by looters who acted in the shadow of the night � they would have taken their opportunity to steal sooner or later. They will be handled efficiently by our police and our courts.

The last few days are a lesson to everyone who loves Estonia. As Estonians,
we must understand that people who came here in the Soviet time and live now in the Republic of Estonia, as well as their children and grandchildren, are our fellow countrymen. I invite my fellow Estonians to see this very clearly. Also,
I invite all my fellow countrymen to see Estonia as their country.

The truth is simple: all of us, who live in Estonia, will go on living here. Despite last week. Together. Side by side.

Other nations living in Estonia must understand and admit that Estonians have their own, very painful, historical experience of life under three consecutive occupying powers in the last century. We must all be able to see and understand the tragedies of others. If we are able to do that, I am firmly convinced that we are also able to agree upon our common future.

Dear fellow countrymen,

I invite you to be unwavering, dignified and amicable. If you feel that you are not always able to understand each other, then talk to each other. In this communication we need no go-betweens whose ulterior motive is to instigate quarrel between us. The Estonian state speaks to everyone, except rioters and fomenters whom we leave to the police and judges.

Let us give a new meaning to the beautiful word �nashi�, which today is unfortunately used by Kremlin propaganda for spreading false information and hostility. All those who think of Estonia as their country are our �nashi�.

It is to you I turn, saying � learn Estonian, be successful, be happy! And the state will help you. The state has a duty to you, just as you have a duty to the state.

The story of the bronze soldier has come to an end. The statue and the remains of the fallen soldiers will find a dignified resting place in the cemetery. And now it is time to put a stop to making use of the memory of war victims for political or other untoward gains.

Estonia is a free and democratic country. The decisions of the Estonian government can always be criticised or disputed in legal ways. Yet as President, I promise that also in the future, all attempts of illegal action against the Republic of Estonia shall be repelled without hesitation. Estonia is a self-respecting country and any attacks against it � now or in the future � shall not be tolerated.

Finally, I turn to Russia, Estonia�s neighbour, with a clear message � try to remain civilised! It is not customary in Europe to demand the resignation of the democratically elected government of another sovereign country. It is not customary in Europe to use computers belonging to public institutions for cyber-attacks against another country�s public institutions. In Europe, as well as in the rest of the civilised world, it is not considered possible to violate the Vienna Convention when an embassy of a small enough country is concerned.

It is customary in Europe that differences, which do now and then occur between states, are solved by diplomats and politicians, not on the streets or by computer attacks. Those are the ways of other countries, somewhere else,
not in Europe.

Archaeological excavations at T�nism�gi have been completed

Wed, 02 May 2007 14:58:00 +0300

Archaeological excavations at T�nism�gi have been completed.

An overview of the excavations will be given at a press briefing on 2 May at noon at the Ministry of Defence, 1 Sakala Street.

The Director of the Public Affairs Department Mr. Madis Mikko, the Director of the Bureau of Forensic Medicine of Estonia Mr. �llar Lanno, and the Chief Inspector of Archaeology of the National Heritage Board Mr. Ants Kraut will be present at the briefing.

Journalists!

Please take your ID and press card with you in order to attend the press conference. Participation in the press conference will not be permitted without these documents.

Additional information can be obtained from:

Mr. Madis Mikko
Director of the MOD Public Affairs Department
+372 518 8281
and

Mrs. Aet Kukk
Adviser of the MOD Public Affairs Department
+ 372 533 02328

Declaration of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia

Tue, 01 May 2007 23:40:00 +0300

Declaration of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia, 1 May 2007

The European Union is under attack, as Russia is attacking Estonia. The issue of the Bronze Soldier and vandalism in Tallinn are Estonia�s internal matters but the coordinated activities undertaken against Estonia by Russia are a matter of the entire European Union. Therefore, the relations between the European Union and Russia are currently extremely complicated.

The attack is virtual, psychological and real � all at the same time.

In Tallinn and in other Estonian towns the representatives of the Russian Embassy have met the main organisers of the disturbances in very peculiar places, in Tallinn Botanic Garden, for example.

IP addresses have helped to identify that the cyber terrorists� attacks against the Internet pages of Estonian government agencies and the Office of the President have originated from specific computers and persons in Russian government agencies, including the administration of the President of the Russian Federation.

The delegation of Russia�s State Duma, whose visit to Estonia was mediated by the Presidency of the European Union, demands the resignation of Estonian government and refuses from cooperation and dialogue. Instead, the members of the delegation make demands and issue false statements. This means interfering with the internal matters of Estonia.

Russian youth organisation �Nashi� has laid a siege to the Estonian embassy in Moscow, which is also the building where embassy�s staff lives. This means that the employees of the embassy are practically held hostage. Today, the members of the Russian parliament indicated that the militia could clean the area around the embassy in three minutes � just if someone wanted it. The militia has also said that they have been given the task to ensure just the minimum level of protection. Today, the national flag of Estonia was torn from the embassy building. All that is violating the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

The direct links between Russian youth organisations inciting hostility like �Nashi�, �Molodaya Gvardia� and Kremlin are known to all. It is also a common knowledge that the persons keeping Estonian embassy in Moscow under siege are paid by Kremlin � 550 to 1000 roubles at a time.

The Russian TV channels, the �liberty� of which is know to the entire world, do not show the marauders vandalising the streets but �innocent� citizens of Russian nationality suffering from the terror of the police. They also broadcast news saying that the Estonian police are killing the persons held in custody and that the Estonian defence forces have been given the order to shoot at Russians. All of that is a blatant lie.

Let me assure you � we have plenty of evidence to support all of these statements.

Everything said above indicates clearly that the future of people of Russian nationality in the Republic of Estonia is just a rhetorical pretext for implementing �active measures�, and those fellow countrymen of ours are used in a much bigger political game.

On Thursday I will take to the Government of the Republic my proposal on the measures, which, as Estonia sees it, the European Union should apply towards Russia. These measures must have such an effect on Russia that it would stop its attacks and interfering with our internal matters, and start following the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The measures should be related to the entire scope of relations between the European Union and Russia.

We find it necessary that the reaction on behalf of the European Union to the behaviour of Russia should be as vigorous as possible. This could mean suspending different talks between the European Union and Russia or not commencing them at all. The postponement of the European Union � Russia summit should be also given full consideration.

If the situation around Estonian embassy in Moscow will not normalise by 9 a.m. tomorrow, Estonia will stop the provision of all consular services, except consular assistance provided to the citizens of the Republic of Estonia, in its Moscow embassy until the situation is back to normal. We also follow extremely carefully the security situation around our other representations in Russia.

The bronze sculpture is intact

Wed, 02 May 2007 00:21:00 +0300

The Ministry of Defence hereby dismisses any and all speculations about cutting the Bronze Soldier into pieces or damaging the sculpture otherwise.

In 1947 sculpturing techniques were not advanced enough to produce such monuments in one piece. The bronze sculpture, cast into Enn Roos' plaster model, was put together from several (up to 10) parts. Those parts were connected with dowels and the joints were smoothened. The line that the delegates of the Russian State Duma referred to is simply one of those joints. Had the sculpture been damaged during transport, welding would have been the only way to fix it. However, a weld would be clearly visible. After removing the Bronze Soldier, which weighs 1.6-1.8 tonnes, from T�nism�gi it was cleaned and its dowels were replaced.

Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence met with Russian State Duma delegation today

Tue, 01 May 2007 18:45:00 +0300

The Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence Mr Lauri Almann met with the Russian State Duma delegation at the Ministry of Defence today. At the meeting the Secretary General gave an overview of the archaeological excavations at T�nism�gi and further plans concerning the cemetery of the Estonian Defence Forces. Mr. Almann expressed his regret over Russia�s refusal to send an expert to the excavations at T�nism�gi.

The Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence Mr Lauri Almann: �Both the reburial of war victims and relocation of the gravestone from a public area in the city centre to a more suitable environment at a cemetery are in complete compliance with international law, legislation of the Republic of Estonia, public morality and Christian values.�

The Russian State Duma delegation was also informed about the findings of archaeological excavations and reassured that all available information has been made public.

The Secretary General thanked the delegates for laying wreathes at the foot of the Bronze Soldier and honouring the memory of the victims of WWII. Estonia also invited the Russian delegates to the celebration ceremony of the end of WWII on 8 May.

The delegation of the Ministry of Defence confirmed that the re-erection of the monument at the cemetery of the Defence Forces will be completed in June, followed by a reburial service in keeping with Christian traditions.

The Estonian delegation also expressed its concern about Estonia�s embassy in Moscow and appealed for the help of the Russian delegates in resolving the problem swiftly and in compliance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.

The bronze statue has been re-erected

Tue, 01 May 2007 18:40:00 +0300

The monument, located in the cemetery of Estonian Defence Forces on 14 Filtri Road, Tallinn, can be accessed. The Minister of Defence inspected the new location of the T�nism�gi grave monument.

�The reburial of those individuals killed and the opening ceremony of the monument is scheduled to take place at a later date. The outbursts of violence did not make it possible to leave the Bronze Soldier at T�nism�gi; therefore, the Government of the Republic decided to move it to its new location, in order to provide access to persons and organisations for whom the statue symbolises the victory of WWII and to celebrate it in a dignified manner�, said the Minister of Defence, Mr. Jaak Aaviksoo.

Next Tuesday, the 8th of May, the world will celebrate the end of WWII and the victory of the allied forces over the Axis Forces.

In order to commemorate those people killed in WWII, Government representatives will attend the laying of wreaths on the 8th of May in honour of the deceased, including at the foot of the Bronze Soldier monument at the cemetery of the Estonian Defence Forces. The representatives of the countries who fought against Nazism and fascism during WW II - the UK, France, the US, and Russia � are also welcome to take part in this event.

The Republic of Estonia honours, like all other EU member states, the memory of all the victims of WWII and highly values the contribution of those nations who fought ardently for the destruction of Nazism and fascism, as well as those who fought against aggressive totalitarian regimes,� stressed the Minister.
�Estonia condemns the activities of all persons who committed crimes against humanity and mass repressions on its territory�, added the Minister.
The reburial of the remains together with the opening ceremony of the gravestone in its original form (against the limestone wall, which will be constructed after the 9th
of May), is scheduled to take place in June. More details will follow soon.

�We, who live in Estonia, have a different past, but a common future. We share a common homeland, and together we have created an independent state - we have ample common ground to value. The development of Estonia in recent years has been pleasing to us all. It would be regretful if only one chapter of history, which is construed differently by different groups, would succeed in destroying this. We will do everything in our power to guarantee the active participation of all members of society in shaping important decisions,� uttered the Minister of Defence.

Nine graves uncovered at T�nism�gi

Mon, 30 Apr 2007 20:41:00 +0300

To date, the archaeological excavations at T�nism�gi have uncovered nine graves. The caskets are in two rows at a depth of 135 to 150 cm. The skeletons are well preserved.

The excavations began at the eastern side of the square; however, no findings were detected from 6 ditches. The caskets were found beneath the trees and partially under the footpath.

Those buried at T�nism�gi, in 1944, were Russian soldiers killed during WWII. According to historical sources, the number of bodies is expected to range from 12 to 14.

The identification of the remains will be carried out when it becomes evident that all remains have been excavated. The reburial service is scheduled to take place at the end of June.

Upon the request of relatives, one of the tasks of the Red Cross is to search for and locate the graves of persons killed in hostilities. If the identification procedure is successful, the Red Cross will contact the relatives of the deceased, in conjunction with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defence.

According to the Estonian Red Cross, the relatives of the deceased have not shown any interest in visiting the grave site.

The Estonian Red Cross received four requests in 2004, 6 requests in 2005 and 12 requests in 2006 to visit the graves of persons killed in WWII. No requests were forwarded to the Estonian Red Cross with regard to the T�nism�gi War Graves; however, the Estonian Red Cross is ready to handle such requests.

The Director of the Bureau of Forensic Medicine of Estonia, Mr. �llar Lanno, and the Secretary-General of the Estonian Red Cross, Mrs. Riina Kabi attended the press conference.

Introduction

Mon, 30 Apr 2007 20:40:00 +0300

This page provides information on the excavation work undertaken for the identification and proper reburial of remains buried in the war grave on T�nism�gi in Tallinn. Various headings provide information on the Protection of War Graves Act and the work of the war graves committee formed at the Ministry of Defence.

Eesti keeles
Po Russki

Press Conference of Minister pf Foreign Affairs Urmas Paet and Minister of Defence Jaak Aaviksoo 29.04.2007

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 16:00:00 +0300

Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Urmas Paet at a press conference on 29.04.2007

Last night was calm in Estonia. Differently from the two previous nights there were no more riots in the streets of Tallinn and some other towns.

To provide the background of the recent events and explain the relocation of the war statue from T�nism�gi, I would like give the three main reasons why such a decision was made. Why, after analysing the situation, it was decided to move the war statue from T�nism�gi to a much more appropriate and peaceful location.

The first reason concerns the value of the war statue as a symbol.

As you know, when the Soviet troops marched to Tallinn on 22 September 1944, German troops were not here. The blue-black-white tricolour that the Soviet troops then removed from the tower of Tall Hermann belonged to the Republic of Estonia and not Germany. Although the Soviet Union contributed to the fall of the fascist Germany, it also re-occupied the Republic of Estonia for almost 50 years. This occupation was, directly or indirectly, a tragedy to all Estonian families. Tens of thousands of Estonians were deported to Siberia and many of them did not return as they died in prison camps. Thousands were killed and very many suffered. To a great majority of the Estonian society this monument symbolised the near 50-year Soviet occupation and the suffering that it entailed.

Another reason for the relocation of the war statue is the situation that has developed within a year or so. The site of the war statue has attracted frequent political provocations and violations of the law and order.

This leads to the third reason � allegedly people have been buried nearby the war statue and for some time now it has not been possible to ensure the peace of the deceased. There has been a public transport stop � trolley bus stop � in T�nism�gi already since the Soviet rule. Therefore it cannot be said that this place was somehow more sacred during the Soviet period. Otherwise war graves would have been protected more carefully already back then. So the third reason for the relocation of the war statute is to ensure the peace of the soldiers buried in that area.

Relying on those three grounds it was decided that in order to ensure law and order, protect the remains of the soldiers buried nearby the war statue and avoid political provocations in downtown Tallinn the monument should be moved to a better, more dignified and suitable location.

Because considerable violations of the law and order took place in the streets of Tallinn, the war statue had to be relocated earlier than planned. The decision was made to avoid further riots and ensure law and order in Tallinn.

The acts of vandalism and looting � people breaking into shops, stealing and robbing, setting things on fire in the streets, committing severe violations of the law and order � in Tallinn and other towns during two nights are in no way connected to the commemoration of the soldiers who died in the Second World War.

Among those who rioted, I saw no veterans of the Second World War or anyone who would have actually cared about why the statue had been erected in the first place and why it will be re-erected in a more dignified location in a few days. Those people had totally different aims � to violate the law and order, break into shops and thereby destabilise the situation. Unfortunately the people who were involved in riots were victims themselves. Sadly for many people the only source of information has been the part of the Russian media that has, for a long time now, been reflecting the situation in Estonia inadequately and thus contributed to the provocations.

Yesterday the excavation of the remains started in T�nism�gi in preparation of the relocation and reburial of the remains to a new dignified and peaceful location according to the best international practice.

Very many high Russian officials have made very severe accusations about Estonia in recent months. Those accusations have been completely inadequate and malicious. We all know that statements about a new fascism having born in Estonia or Estonia redefining the results of the Second World War are complete nonsense. I am very sorry that we have had to tolerate such accusations and inadequate reproaches from very high Russian officials.
Returning to the present situation, I am very concerned about the safety of our embassy in Moscow and other foreign representations. Although the Russian foreign minister assured that Russia will perform all international obligations in protecting our embassy in Moscow, vandals have already managed to spoil the fa�ade of the embassy building. This means that people have had free access to the embassy. Our representatives have also been forced to remain in the embassy as their movement is blocked. That is why, unless the situation improves, our consular office in Moscow will be closed on Monday. Estonian citizens will be serviced but no visa applications will be accepted or visas issued until the Russian authorities find a way to ensure the safety of our representation in Moscow and also those in other cities in Russia.

More about false and misinformation. This morning Interfax claimed that ethnic Russian police officers are leaving the Estonian Police. That is absolutely not true. My recommendation to those Russian media channels that have not bothered to present adequate and objective information so far is to return to the most important principle concerning the presentation of information and the media in general � objectivity.

I assure once again that for Estonia and Estonians the memory of all victims of the Second World War is sacred. We have commemorated and will commemorate the victims in a dignified manner, hoping that the horror of the Second World War will never recur.

Russian media channels have been spreading an inaccuracy that I would like to correct. Sadly one person was killed in Tallinn in the past three days. In some Russian media reports you can read that the Estonian police was involved in this � let me disclaim this fabrication. The Estonian police or authorities had nothing to do with it. The death was a result of a fight between two people who happened to take part in the riots. Unfortunately the fight ended tragically with the death of one party. Once again, the Estonian authorities or police were in no way involved.

Q: Estonian TV channel ETV: What do you think is behind the inadequate accusations made by Russia?
A: There are many reasons. One is what is happening in Russia today � presidential and parliamentary election campaigns, but also a temptation to gain publicity and thereby also votes by making certain strong statements. On the other hand, looking at the relations between Estonia and Russia over the last 15 years, Estonia has always been willing to establish normal, friendly relations with its neighbour. However, such relations can only be achieved if both parties have a strong will. Unfortunately Russia has not demonstrated a very strong will, especially in recent years. One indicator is that within the last 15 years, there has not been a single bilateral visit to Estonia by a high Russian official although we are neighbouring countries. No Russian president, prime minister or foreign minister has paid a bilateral visit to Estonia within those 15 years, only the other way around. That is why one cause of the attacks and slander that we have been receiving from Russia is its unwillingness to establish good neighbourly relations with Estonia and accept the fact that Estonia has a right to make its own choices which Estonia used when it joined the European Union and NATO in 2004.

Q: Swedish daily: What are Estonia's requirements to Russia to keep the consular office in Moscow open? If it remains closed tomorrow, will it be a serious sign of deterioration in diplomatic relations?

A: We are not going to close our embassy in Moscow or the diplomatic representation. Considering the situation that has developed within the past days, it is physically impossible to provide consular services, admit visa applications or issue visas, because people have no access to the Estonian embassy and its consular office. A crowd has gathered around the embassy in Moscow and Russian authorities have not managed to ensure access to the building. That is why the consular office will be closed tomorrow according to the present information. If the Russian authorities wish to fulfil their international obligations in ensuring the safety of the embassy, they will have the opportunity. If the safety of our representatives is restored by tomorrow, the consular office will be opened. That means that the safety of both the staff and visitors to the consular office must be ensured to avoid any incidents.

Q: How do you comment on the international reaction, leaving Russia aside?
A: Leaving Russia aside, the international reaction has been sensible. Our closest neighbours have demonstrated their support and provided practical assistance. I have spoken to the Finnish and Latvian foreign ministers on the phone. I have talked to the Lithuanian foreign minister face to face. I have also talked to the German foreign minister, the representative of the EU presidency. I would say that the international reaction to this situation has been completely reasonable and peaceful.

Information for editorial offices

Mon, 30 Apr 2007 17:45:00 +0300

Preparations were being made today, 30th April 2007, at 8 am to transfer the bronze section of the monument to the cemetery of the Estonian Defence Forces in Tallinn, which is located on 14 Filtri road.

The Police have closed access to the cemetery; the media will be allowed access to the cemetery from 5 pm.

We would ask you to show respect and not interfere with the removal works.

The gravestone is undamaged and intact, and has been prepared for removal.

Also, a briefing for the press will be given today at 2 pm in the Ministry of Defence, 1 Sakala St., Tallinn. The briefing will give an overview of the current results of the analysis of the T�nism�gi War Graves.

The Director of the Public Affairs Department, Mr. Madis Mikko, the Director of the Bureau of Forensic Medicine of Estonia, Mr. �llar Lanno, the Chief Inspector of Archaelogy of the National Heritage Board, Mr. Ants Kraut, and the Secretary-General of the Estonian Red Cross, Mrs. Riina Kabi will be present at the briefing.

Journalists!

Please take your ID and press card with you in order to attend the press conference. Participation in the press conference will not be permitted without these documents.

Additional information can be obtained from:

Mr. Madis Mikko
Director of the MOD Public Affairs Department
+ 372 518 8281

Mrs. Aet Kukk
Adviser of the MOD Public Affairs Department
+372 533 02328

Malicious cyber attacks against Estonia come from abroad

Mon, 30 Apr 2007 13:03:00 +0300

CERT Estonia�s statement at 14:00 29.04.2007
Regardless of the malicious attacks against Estonian webpages in the past days, Estonia has kept up domestic internet traffic and visits to foreign webpages are possible. However, the access of foreign users to the webpages of government offices had to be restricted to fight the attacks.

�The attacks are clearly malicious in nature. It is not an increased interest of users in the information published on our webpages,� the Head of CERT Estonia Hillar Aarelaid commented on the situation. �Foreign forums contain agitations and tips for volunteers to �help out�," he added.

While most public sector webpages are accessible to domestic users again, major restrictions still apply to internet users abroad. �Our aim today is to restore webpages one by one to open them to users outside Estonia,� the Head of CERT Estonia Hillar Aarelaid cast light on the measures to be taken.

CERT (Computer Emergency Response Team of Estonia) handles security incidents that take place in Estonian computer networks, takes measures to prevent such incidents and to raise the security awareness of users. On the state-level, CERT�s tasks are performed by the Department for Handling Information Security Incidents of the Estonian Informatics Centre.

Hillar Aarelaid
Head of CERT Estonia
+372 663 0251

Rica Semjonova
Estonian Informatics Centre
Communication Manager
+372 663 0233 / +372 522 76 74
rica.semjonova@ria.ee
www.ria.ee

Bronze Soldier will be relocated to the Military Cemetary in central Tallinn

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 17:11:00 +0300

The Estonian Government will begin preparatory works today, Sunday, 29 April, at the military cemetery in central Tallinn to relocate the grave marker (Bronze Soldier).

Dear editors and journalists!

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and Minister of Defence Jaak Aaviksoo will give a joint press conference on Sunday, 29 April at 11:00 in the Press Centre of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Attention!

All journalists, photographers and TV cameramen should apply for accreditation from the MFA Press Centre by e-mail: centre@mfa.ee (first and surname, news organization, number of passport/ID-card) . The final deadline for accreditation is Sunday, 29 April, 1000. Please arrive no later than 1045 at the Visitor's Entrance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Lauteri 2). Please have passports or personal identification cards with you.

SPOKESMAN�S OFFICE
+ 372 6377 654
+ 372 50 94 645
pressitalitus@mfa.ee

The Ministry of Defence postponed the archaeological excavations and analysis of war graves

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 03:57:00 +0300

The Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Estonia has been compelled to postpone the archaeological excavations and analysis of T�nism�e war graves due to the extensive acts of vandalism that occurred in Tallinn in the early hours of Friday, 27th April.

The archaeological excavation and analysis of T�nism�e war graves were scheduled to begin today with a moment of reflection. At present, all work on the site has been suspended and the perimeter of the war graves will be sealed off and covered with a tent.

The Ministry of Defence will continue work on the site as soon as circumstances permit, and the archaeological excavations and analysis of T�nism�e war graves will be completed in accordance with the �War Graves Protection Act�

The gravestone has been removed pursuant to the resolution of the Government of the Republic and according to � 8, sub-section 2 of the �War Graves Protection Act�. The gravestone is under police protection. On the proposal of the War Graves Committee, the gravestone together with the remains buried in the T�nism�e war graves will be removed to the cemetery of the Estonian Defence Forces in Tallinn.

War grave new location

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 13:10:00 +0300

The grave marker was re-erected at the Military Cemetery on 30 April 2007.

Delegation of Russian MPs visited the cemetery on 1 May and placed flowers at the monument.

The members of the Government of the Republic of Estonia and the diplomats of foreign embassies residing in Estonia commemorated the victims of WWII by laying a wreath at the momument to Unknown Soldier at the cemetery of the Estonian defence Forces in Tallinn on 8 May 2007.

The relocation of the monument together with the limestone wall will be completed by end of June. The picture (left) is a photocomposition.

Government of the Republic of Estonia and crisis management committee hold extraordinary session

Wed, 09 May 2007 19:26:00 +0300

In the early morning hours of Friday, April 27, the Government of the Republic crisis management committee gathered for an extraordinary meeting to discuss the current situation in Tallinn. In addition to the chairman of the crisis management committee � Minister of the Interior J�ri Pihl � the meeting participants were Prime Minister Andrus Ansip and Minister of Defence Jaak Aaviksoo. The meeting of the crisis management committee was followed by an extraordinary session of the cabinet of ministers.

The crisis management committee was briefed by the Minister of the Interior on the situation in the centre of Tallinn. On 26 April, up to 1,500 people gathered in the T�nism�gi area of central Tallinn. At 9:20pm, part of this gathering began behaving in an aggressive manner. Acts of vandalism were committed in the city centre. Among other actions, policemen were targeted. Acts of vandalism were concentrated in the area of the Kosmos cinema, Endla t�nav (a broad boulevard) and Freedom Square: windows were smashed, objects were set on fire, and cars were damaged, with at least 13 vehicles tipped. Injuries were suffered by 44 of the people involved in the acts of vandalism and 13 police officers. Most of the injuries to the transgressors were lacerations caused by broken glass from windows.

After an analysis of the situation, the crisis management committee made a proposal to the government to cover the damage from the state budget. It was deemed necessary to continue reinforced control on the external border. The crisis management committee was advised that additional police reinforcements were arriving in Tallinn.

The crisis management committee made a proposal to the Government for the immediate removal of the bronze statue which serves as the grave mark � this being the pretext used by persons involved in the illegal activity � and its transport to the Defence Forces cemetery.

Pursuant to the crisis committee�s recommendation, the Government decided at 3:40 am at its extraordinary session to remove, on the basis of Subsection 8 (2) of the Protection of War Graves Act, the grave mark located at Kaarli puiestee 13 to the Defence Forces cemetery. The Government resolution on removal of the grave mark has now been fulfilled and the grave mark is under police guard, pending transport to the Defence Forces cemetery.

The aim of the Government resolution is to avoid further gross disturbances of peace, which would place the property and welfare of the public at real risk.

The Crisis Management Committee calls on the public to continue civil obedience and not to acquiesce to any provocations.

A total of 22 people were transported to North-Estonia Regional Hospital, of whom 18 were released, three admitted and one died of a stab wound. According to initial reports, the incident involved an altercation between two males, identified as Oleg and Dmitri, in which both were injured and Dmitri was stabbed. Both individuals were taken to the Regional Hospital, where Dmitri died in surgery. The suspect in the crime remains hospitalized.

A total of 22 people were transported to East Tallinn Central Hospital, of whom 21 were released and one individual, a police official, remains hospitalized. Additionally, first aid was administered to 12 police officials.

A total of 300 people have been detained for questioning on suspicion of vandalism. Many of those arrested were apprehended with evidence � i.e., stolen property.

Persons taken to the police prefecture before 9:15pm on Thursday, 26 April may be subject to misdemeanour charges under Section 262 of the Penal Code, breach of public order. Those arrested after that time may be subject to criminal charges under Section 263 of the Penal Code � aggravated breach of public order. There are 273 of the latter individuals.

More individuals at large who were at the scene will be identified from photographs and security cameras made by the police and various video recordings.

As of 5:30am, 99 sites had been identified as having been sacked or looted, mainly involving broken window glass.

The crisis management committee emphasized that it is paramount that all those guilty of illegal acts be severely punished.

DVI (Disaster Victim Identification) Guide

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 09:00:00 +0300

DVI (Disaster Victim Identification) Guide developed by Interpol, and the general rules and best practises of forensic medicine and forensic anthropology: http://www.interpol.intPublic/DisasterVictim/Guide/Default.asp

Historical statement on the Red Army mass grave and monument on T�nism�gi in Tallinn

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 09:49:00 +0300

This document was issued by the Estonian Foundation for the Investigation of Crimes Against Humanity regarding the Red Army mass grave and monument on T�nism�gi in Tallinn. The document was compiled by historian Peeter Kaasik.

Full text of the historical statement in Estonian: http://www.valitsus.ee/brf/doc.php?34981
Full text of the historical statement in Russian: http://www.valitsus.ee/brf/doc.php?282743
Full text of the historical statement in English: http://www.valitsus.ee/brf/doc.php?282742

Estonian Ministry of Defence commencing preparation work for the identification of the war graves located at the T�nism�gi green area

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 00:10:00 +0300

The preparation work for the execution of identification procedures of the war graves at the T�nism�gi green area is beginning today, in the morning of 26th April. Archaeological excavations and identification procedures have been scheduled subsequently in order to positively identify the persons possibly buried at the site and their exact numbers.

During the preparation work, a perimeter fence surrounding the green area shall be erected at T�nism�gi. Moreover, in pursuit to ensure the treatment of the human remains in a respectful and dignified manner and the conduct of the identification procedures in accordance with the international regulations and best practices, a special tent will be set up at the scene.

The identification process will be carried out pursuant to the international best practises and agreements; most notably the DVI (Disaster Victim Identification) Guide developed by Interpol, and the general rules and best practises of forensic medicine and forensic anthropology. (Please refer to: http://www.interpol.intPublic/DisasterVictim/Guide/Default.asp).

Subsequent to the completion of the preparation work, the Bureau of Forensic Medicine of Estonia together with the Forensic Service Centre will perform the identification of the remains of the persons buried in the war graves. Forensic pathologist will be present at the excavations conducted by archaeologists, supervising and instructing the latter in the processes of remains recovery, exhumation, documentation and packing. All the remains recovered will be recorded and packed by police experts � forensic science technicians.

The green area located at T�nism�gi in Tallinn, Estonia, has been designated as a cultural monument being a burial site of the victims of WWII. However, the identity of the persons buried at the site and their exact numbers have remained unclear as implicated by the historical statement composed by the Estonian Foundation for the Investigation of the Crimes Against Humanity in 2006 regarding the mass grave of the forces of the Red Army and the memorial located at T�nism�gi in Tallinn. (Please refer to: http://www.valitsus.ee/brf/failid/ajalooline_oiend_2006_en.pdf).

The War Graves Committee to the Estonian Ministry of Defence has established the burial ground as war graves.

The archaeological excavations at T�nism�gi site will be conducted under the supervision of the Chief Inspector of the National Heritage Board. All the relevant operations will be performed in accordance with the provisions of the Protection of War Graves Act.

For the Press and Media Desks!

The press briefing is scheduled to take place this morning 9 AM at the Ministry of Defence, Sakala 1. Mr. Madis Mikko, Director of Public Relations Department of the Ministry of Defence and Ms. Anu Aasp�llu from the Forensic Service Centre will brief you on the identification procedures soon to begin.

Dear representatives of the press and media,

We kindly ask the participants of the press conference to bring your valid press card or press credentials and photo ID. Upon a failure to present aforementioned documents you regrettably will be refused entry into the Ministry.

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 06:18:00 +0300

The following is a list of the press officers for various governmental authorities. Journalists are invited to contact them to obtain information or commentary on the T�nism�gi war grave.

Press contact

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 00:47:00 +0300

Name	Title	Telephone	E-mail
Madis Mikko	Head of the Public Relations Department of the Ministry of Defence	+372 717 0235, +372518 8281	Madis.Mikko@kmin.ee
Aet Kukk	Public Relations Department of the Ministry of Defence	+372 717 0078, +372 53 30 2328	Aet.Kukk@kmin.ee
Inga Jagom�e	Director of the Government Communication Office	+372 693 5706; +372 528 1467	Inga.Jagomae@riigikantselei.ee
Martin Jasko	Information Officer to the Government	+372 693 5770, +372 505 2568	Martin.Jasko@riigikantselei.ee
Katrin Vides	Head of Public Relations of the Ministry of the Interior	+372 612 5032, +372 527 6806	Katrin.Vides@siseministeerium.ee
Harrys Puusepp	Officer to the Northern Police Prefecture	+372 612 4051, +372 515 1830	harrys.puusepp@pohja.pol.ee
Katrin Arvisto	Public Relations and Press Office of the Ministry of Culture	+372 628 2262, +372 511 3124	Katrin.Arvisto@kul.ee
Ehtel Halliste	Press Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs	+372 637 7654, +372 509 4645	pressitalitus@mfa.ee

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 00:38:00 +0300

The media will have sufficient access to the excavation site and procedures for identification of remains, with provision made for certain restrictions for preserving the dignity of those interred.

Journalists for larger media outlets will be able to access the site in small groups at specific times accompanied by an official escort. It will not be possible to view the actual excavation work, and access to the excavation area will be made possible between stages of the work.

Estonian Television will have sole video rights in the excavation area. Based on agreements pending, ETV will distribute video footage to media outlets expressing an interest in using the material. Contact person at ETV: Andres Kuusk +372 628 4010

Official photographs taken in the excavation area will be published on the webpage www.riik.ee/tuvastus and can be used free of charge by all media outlets. Please credit photos as follows: �Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Estonia�.

The public will be kept informed of the progress of the excavation and identification work by press releases. If necessary, briefings and press conferences will be held.

The use of mobile phones, photographic equipment, video cameras and other means of recording and transmitting the proceedings, is strictly prohibited (except for official photography and ETV�s rights to film at a certain stage). All mobile phones and video and audio recording equipment which are not essential for the work on the burial site must be left for safekeeping at the entrance to the site.

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 00:33:00 +0300

This page describes the general principles and rules for covering events taking place in the vicinity of the excavation work at the T�nism�gi war grave.

Fact Sheet �Estonia Today - The T�nism�e Second World War memorial�

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 00:31:00 +0300

Fact Sheet �Estonia Today - The T�nism�e Second World War memorial�

�Radio encyclopaedia� broadcast aired on KUKU Radio from 16-20 April 2007 on the topic of the T�nism�gi neighbourhood

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 07:52:00 +0300

�Radio encyclopaedia� broadcast aired on KUKU Radio from 16-20 April 2007 on the topic of the T�nism�gi neighbourhood

Audio file no. 1 (MP3, 6780 KB) � Overview of the history of the T�nism�gi neighbourhood
Audio file no. 2 (MP3, 6724 KB) � Sites and institutions in the T�nism�gi neighbourhood
Audio file no. 3 (MP3, 7523 KB) � Sites and institutions in the T�nism�gi neighbourhood (war grave)
Audio file no. 4 (MP3, 7549 KB) � Sites and institutions in the T�nism�gi neighbourhood (war grave)
Audio file no. 5 (MP3, 6863 KB) � Sites and institutions in the T�nism�gi neighbourhood (war grave)

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 00:11:00 +0300

The procedures for establishing the existence of possible remains at the T�nism�gi war grave will be carried out in conformity to international rules, conventions and agreements (Interpol Manual on Disaster Victim Identification, general rules of practice for forensics and judicial anthropological examinations, recommendations of archaeological and judicial anthropological investigations).

Identification of the individuals buried in the war graves will be performed by the Bureau of Forensic Medicine of Estonia in conjunction with the Forensic Service Centre. A forensic pathologist will be present at the excavation site. This individual will supervise the process of detection, excavation and documentation of remains.

General and particular personal characteristics will be established for the remains exhumed and DNA samples will be taken. An investigation report to be prepared within a month of the beginning of the work will contain the results of the forensic anthropological investigation and, if it is available, the results of the DNA analysis. The Ministry of Defence will publish a summary of the research results.

Comparative material in the form of DNA samples from close relatives will be required in order to make final identifications of the remains. After the studies are conducted, the likely relatives of the persons exhumed may contact the Ministry of Defence to arrange collection of DNA samples for comparison.

Interpol Manual on Disaster Victim Identification (INTERPOL) (In Estonian)

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 00:06:00 +0300

Interpol Manual on Disaster Victim Identification (INTERPOL)

Overview of the work of the war graves committee (in Estonian)

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 00:05:00 +0300

Third meeting of the war graves committee takes place at the Ministry of Defence (1 March 2007)
http://www.kmin.ee/?op=news&id=1077

Minister of Defence asks the war graves committee for an evaluation of the suitability of the location of the T�nism�gi war grave (27 February 2007)
http://www.kmin.ee/?op=news&id=1073

Second meeting of the Ministry of Defence war graves committee held (22 February 2007) http://www.kmin.ee/?op=news&id=1066

First meeting of the war graves committee took place at the Ministry of Defence (14 February 2007) http://www.kmin.ee/?op=news&id=1059

Ministry of Defence J�rgen Ligi forms war graves committee (13 February 2007)
http://www.kmin.ee/?op=news&id=1056

The war graves committee

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 23:59:00 +0300

Name	Position
Mati Raidma (chairman)	member of the Riigikogu
Jako Vernik	head of the Internal Security Department at the Ministry of the Interior
Eerik Niiles Kross	member of the management board of S-Keskus (a centre devoted to researching recent history)
Kristi Land	adviser in matters of international law to the Undersecretary Legal and Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Hanno Pevkur	Ministry of Justice, adviser to the minister
Tiina Tojak	Estonian War Graves League, managing director
Ilme M�esalu	chief inspector of the National Heritage Board

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 23:52:00 +0300

The Minister of Defence formed the war graves committee at the beginning of this year.

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 23:52:00 +0300

In Estonia, war graves fall under the purview of the Protection of War Graves Act, adopted by the Riigikogu on 10 January 2007.

The war grave on T�nism�gi in Tallinn � the basic facts

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 23:45:00 +0300

Like other member states of the European Union, the Republic of Estonia honours the memory of those who lost their lives in World War II. As a nation which itself bore great losses, Estonia has a vast appreciation for the contribution of those nations which waged a self-sacrificing fight against aggressive totalitarian regimes, including against Fascism and Nazism. The Estonian government denounces the actions of those who committed crimes against humanity and were responsible for mass repressions.

On 22 September 1947 a monument was erected to mark the grave of Red Army soldiers buried on T�nism�gi, an area in central Tallinn. This is the so-called Bronze Soldier. As the era�s urban design conventions dictated, the Red Army monument had to be located in a public place with a wide open area, allowing ceremonies typical of totalitarianism to be held, exalting the communist regime and the Red Army.

The green area on T�nism�gi has been declared a cultural monument as it is the burial site for individuals who lost their lives in World War II. The Minister of Defence has included the burial site on T�nism�gi on the official list of war graves.

However, this grave mark has a dual meaning: on one hand, it recalls those who gave their lives in the fight against Nazi Germany. On the other hand, it is a painful reminder of the Soviet occupation and its crimes against humanity, which can be seen as the equivalent of certain categories of war crimes committed by Nazi Germany. Among other authorities, the European Court of Human Rights has recognized the Soviet occupation as criminal and acknowledged that the Soviets committed crimes on a massive scale in Estonia.

It cannot be considered acceptable that people lie buried in unmarked graves right in the centre of Tallinn, and that public events take place regularly on these unmarked graves � among others, various extremist movements (both neo-Stalinist and right-wing extremists) have taken advantage of the exposed position of the burial site in order to disturb the public. The current solution of the T�nism�gi green area does not allow the dead to rest in peace, as they should; there are no restrictions to pedestrian traffic or movements at the burial site. What we have in Tallinn is thus not a normal situation as far as generally accepted human standards and values are concerned. The fact that the burial site is located next to a major thoroughfare does not allow the remains to be honoured in conformity to the provisions of the Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949. The war graves committee has issued an unequivocal recommendation to the Minister of Defence that any remains found in the T�nism�gi war grave be reburied.

The aim of the excavations and identification work about to be undertaken is to establish the number of individuals buried here and their exact locations. Currently, confusion persists as to the identities of the individuals buried in the T�nism�gi green area and their precise numbers. The clearest reference to this fact was made by the Estonian Foundation for the Investigation of Crimes Against Humanity in a historical statement issued in 2006 regarding the Red Army mass grave and monument on T�nism�gi.

The excavations and forensic work will be carried out with due dignity in conformity with all international conventions.

Introduction

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 23:41:00 +0300

Estonia has a moral and international duty to safeguard war graves and accompanying monuments and to keep them sacrosanct and dignified places. To this end, the Protection of War Graves Act was adopted on 10 January of this year. The war graves committee was formed on the basis of the Act. Its function is to make proposals to the Minister of Defence with regard to protection of burial sites for war dead and possible reburials of remains.

The Minister of Defence formed the war graves committee at the beginning of this year, approved its rules of procedure, and appointed a chairman. The seven-member committee consists of the Minister of the Interior, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Culture, an individual appointed by the Estonian War Graves League and two individuals appointed by the Minister of Defence.

On 27 February 2007, the Minister of Defence asked the war graves committee for an evaluation of the suitability of the location of the T�nism�gi war grave. In evaluating the suitability of the location, the Minister of Defence asked the war graves committee to take into consideration the disturbances that have occurred at the site as well as the political tensions and whether these could be considered consistent with the principle of allowing the dead to rest in peace.

On 9 March of this year, the war graves committee recommended to the Minister of Defence that the remains be reburied, noting that the dead cannot rest in peace in the current location. To ensure that they may finally do so, the committee proposed that the remains near the Bronze Soldier be relocated to Tallinn�s Siselinna Cemetery. The committee found this cemetery to be a worthy location for allowing the dead to rest in peace, honouring the principle of dignified treatment of war graves.

Introduction

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 17:38:00 +0300

The Riigikogu passed the Protection of War Graves Act on 10 January 2007 with 66 votes in favour.

Up to that point, there had been no legal basis for protection and maintenance of war graves, or for the related record-keeping (with the exception of bilateral treaties on German and Finnish war graves). This piece of legislation was therefore essential. The topic of war graves had been discussed before in the Riigikogu, most recently by the 9th Riigikogu, but was not ultimately passed.

The purpose of the War Graves Act is the legal protection of the remains of individuals who died in military conflict, maintenance of war graves, the procedure for marking of war graves, public access to war graves and reburial of remains located in war graves in cemeteries.

The Act applies to the remains and war graves of Estonian soldiers who fell in the Estonian War of Independence as well as the remains and war graves of those who fell in armed conflict for Estonian independence. The Act also applies to the remains and war graves of those who belonged to the military forces of other countries and of citizens of other countries, unless provided otherwise by foreign treaties.

According to the Act, the Ministry of Defence is the institution responsible for keeping records on war graves and for organizing the marking and maintenance of war graves, along with � should the need arise � reburial of remains in a cemetery. The Act also sets forth the procedures for forming the War Graves Committee, which is in charge of evaluating the suitability of war grave sites, necessary identification procedures, reburial, the placing or removal of grave markers, and other such issues. The committee issues relevant proposals to the Minister of Defence. The Act provides for a one-year term for these procedures in the case of war graves that were known to exist at the time the Act was established.

The reburial of remains located in war graves is permitted by the Act only in cases where the graves are located at unsuitable sites, thus precluding dignified treatment of the war grave. Unsuitable sites for war graves include, in particular, parks and other green areas, buildings in densely populated areas outside cemeteries as well as places in which public events are organized and where structures not related to the graves are located. The Government can also decide in favour of a reburial if there is a clear and present need to do so. Such a public interest may arise if social structures or facilities are built in the immediate vicinity of war graves, if it is necessary for public health protection or for security considerations, or if the preservation of the war grave is jeopardized by natural phenomena.

Full text of the Protection of War Graves Act (in Estonian)