Estonian Embassy in Washington :: News

Ambassador Kaljurand visited Portland and gave Liina Teose Foreign Minister's Certificate of Recognition

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 16:48:18 GMT

Ambassador Kaljurand and Liina Teose (photo: Kalev Sepp)

Ambassador Marina Kaljurand and Mr Kalle Kaljurand took part in the Celebration of the Independence Day of Estonia in Portland, Oregon on February 16th 2013.

Ambassador gave a speech and delivered the Foreign Minister's Certificate of Recognition to Mrs Liina Teose for her long-term commitment to promoting Estonian culture as well as teaching and introducing Estonian folk dance in the USA.

In her speech she expressed pride over Estonians living in the US: I have always felt extraordinary pride when I have been told about Estonians, who have found their new homes in the US, who have become highly respected members of communities, who are living their lives and fulfilling their dreams far away from their native homeland and who have never forgotten their roots. Who, literally speaking dedicate their working hours to America and week-ends to Estonia. Believe me, I am very honored and privileged to represent Estonia and Estonians.

In honour of Citizens’ Day on November 26th 2012, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet recognized active promoters of public diplomacy with certificates of recognition. One of the 22 recipients was Liina Teose.

Ambassador Kaljurand: The role of cultural diplomacy will continue growing

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 22:17:27 GMT

In her keynote speech at the ICD Annual Conference on Cultural Diplomacy in the USA yesterday Ambassador Marina Kaljurand focused on practical examples of culture as part of diplomacy. „Culture in its wide varieties is an excellent tool for fostering mutual understanding,“ she stressed. Kaljurand described a selection of activities and events which have succeeded to create and sustain a positive image of Estonia. She noted that it is difficult to attract attention in this era of information overload. „You have to be creative, genuine, interesting – and brief about it,“ she added.

She finished her presentation with an independent short film about Estonia by two young Canadians, stressing that everyone can be a cultural ambassador of a country. „Culture does not have borders or limits,“ she concluded.

The Annual Conference on Cultural Diplomacy in the USA "Options on the Table": Soft Power, Intercultural Dialogue and the Future of US Foreign Policy” hosted by the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy and Johns Hopkins University took place on January 9th – 11th in Washington, DC.

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet Expressed Condolences over Connecticut School Shooting

Sun, 16 Dec 2012 20:33:03 GMT

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet expressed condolences to Secretary of State of the United States of America Hillary Clinton in connection with the school shooting that took place in the state of Connecticut in the USA and claimed the lives of 26 people, 20 of them children.

"This terrible tragedy touches all of us. I express my profound condolences to the loved ones of the children and teachers whose lives were taken," said Foreign Minister Paet.

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Estonian Magicians to perform at Kids Euro Festival

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 14:34:31 GMT

Estonian magicians Meelis Kubo (above) and Charlekas will give seven shows in Washington and Maryland this week.

It’s a musical magic show that you get to be a part of — right from your seat, and even up on stage! Two of the most unique and sought after magicians in Estonia, Charlekas and Meelis Kubo have worked together and amazed their audiences since 2008.

Charlekas has been awarded the title of “Best Stage Magician” and Meelis Kubo "Best Close-up Magician" in Estonia’s prestigious national magic competition. They are contemporary wizards whose performances have been called “mind-blowing” and “phenomenal”, Charlekas and Kubo will amaze you with both traditional tricks and modern illusions!

See schedule here

Prime Minister Ansip: Estonian American National Council remains an important outpost for promoting Estonia’s interests at the pulse point of the United States even today

Sat, 29 Sep 2012 14:26:16 GMT

Greeting by Prime Minister Andrus Ansip at the Anniversary Gala of the Estonian American National Council (ERKÜ), delivered by Ambassador Marina Kaljurand on 29 September 2012 in the Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington: Dear friends, and all those involved in Estonian life in Washington!

I welcome all the members and friends of the Estonian American National Council on the occasion of the council’s 60th anniversary. You have endured for a practically unbelievable sixty years! Sixty years is an unusually long time for an Estonian organization, especially when it comes to political organizations. Since neither our country nor our political structures have been allowed to develop uninterrupted, the longevity of Estonian political organizations in the homeland has been limited to a few decades.

In order to comprehend the meaning of sixty years of time, let us think back to the year 1952: Estonia was governed by a repressive Stalinist system in all its cruelty. Or if we jump back another 60 years, we’ll find Estonia still under the czarist Russian influence of Alexander III. It was right at that moment, when the situation in Estonian society was the most complicated, when Stalin’s communist regime was in full force and our compatriots felt fear with every step they made, either in the city or in the countryside – right at that moment you and your predecessors understood that in the Free World there are opportunities to speak out for justice and that every such opportunity must be utilized. The occupation and annexation of the Republic of Estonia by the Soviet Union was illegal and the democratic world, first and foremost the United States of America, declaratively did not recognize the occupation. But resistance against the communist powers in Estonia and efforts to reach the goal of restoring the true independence of the Republic of Estonia could not, even in the Free World, be passive, limited to every Estonian having a little blue-black-white flag sitting on his desk. The world had to be constantly reminded of the situation of Estonia and our Baltic neighbors who shared our fate – the best way to do this was to gather together our forces. So that we would be noticed in Washington and people would see that there are a lot of us, and that our right and desire for independence is unwavering. So that the issue of restoring Estonia’s independence would not disappear into the depths of America’s foreign policy. I believe that the Estonian American National Council was born of this kind of idealism.

Those of you who are Estonian citizens by birth and also became citizens of your new country of residence, America – you ended up with an unprecedented and vital task: to stand for Estonia on the other side of the “Great Puddle”, as it is called in Estonia. The Republic of Estonia gives its heartfelt thanks to all of you that took on this task.

We thank you for the fact that from as early as the 1950s all the way until 20 August 1991 you never allowed the fight for the restoration of Estonia’s independence to die down. August of 1991 and the international recognition of Estonia’s restored independence never would have been possible without the unequivocal support of the Free World, and there is no doubt that the Estonian American National Council had its hand in this. It was important. But your activities in later decades were also important, when the matter of Russian troops leaving Estonian soil came into question. And ten years later when Estonia acceded to NATO.

In Estonia we recognize the tremendous help (and lobbying) that the Estonian American National Council has put forth in these processes.

But the Estonian American National Council remains an important outpost for promoting Estonia’s interests at the pulse point of the United States even today. I wish you strength and a wonderful anniversary! I hope that today the banquet tables are bountiful – it is Mihklipäev, after all! – and that the traditional lamb dish is not missing from the feast.

President Ilves to the Estonian community in America: “Estonia is larger than the 45,000 square kilometres of land on the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea. Estonia can be found throughout the whole world.”

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 14:20:01 GMT

"Now, after more than 20 years since Estonia regained its independence, we are smarter enough to know that independence and freedom alone are not enough. An independent country must endeavour to strive forward and determine its future for the well being of its people, the maintaining of its freedom, and for its people and culture to prevail. I think that Estonia has coped rather well with this task," told the President, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, in Washington, at the 60th anniversary gala of Estonian-American National Council in the US.

Read further here

President Ilves to the UN General Assembly countries: we must adopt responsible behaviour

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 14:25:34 GMT

"Experience shows that if we fail to act responsibly, we will, in the end, be forced to do so," told the President, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, at the 67th session of the United Nations General Assembly yesterday afternoon, where he spoke on behalf of the Republic of Estonia.

In his speech this year, President Ilves focused on the responsibility of countries that have been pushed by the economic instability suffered over the last couple of years. "Recent years of economic and financial turbulence have demonstrated a strong correlation between economic prudence and responsibility in fiscal matters. It is essential for the world to focus on sustainability. This is why I am going to focus on the three broad topics I shall address today: human rights, good governance, and development," told President Ilves as the opening words of his speech.

Continue reading here

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet Expressed Condolences to Secretary of State of USA

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 13:10:57 GMT

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet expressed condolences to Secretary of State of the United States of America Hillary Clinton over the attack on US diplomats in Libya that resulted in the death of the ambassador and three foreign service employees.

“I convey my profound condolences to the loved ones of those who died in this tragic act of violence,” the foreign minister stated in his letter of condolences. “Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time,” he added.

Foreign Minister Paet stated that Estonia sharply condemns the armed attack on the US diplomats. “Attacking the diplomatic representation and diplomats of another country is unacceptable and cannot possibly be justified,” he said.

Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet condemns all mockery of the Holocaust

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 15:56:47 GMT

In response to a journalist’s query at a press conference today regarding a picture published in an Estonian daily newspaper, Foreign Minister Paet condemned all mockery of the Holocaust.

“Regarding the failed advertisement and the failed joke I would not call either of those humor” said Paet to a reporter for Baltic News Service. He added that something that hurts and insults so many people can never be considered a joke: “We all know how many people were so brutally murdered in concentration camps. Trying to make a joke out of it is absolutely unacceptable and inappropriate.” Paet said he was sorry that “so many people have been hurt and insulted as a result of this and as an Estonian I am very embarrassed.”

A few weeks ago an Estonian gas company published an advertisement on its website using a photo of Auschwitz concentration camp. Later an Estonian newspaper displayed another picture, mocking the previous advertisement in its humor section.

Honorary Consulate of Estonia opens in North Carolina

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 13:48:04 GMT

Estonian Ambassador to the United States Marina Kaljurand and Consul General in New York Sten Schwede opened the Estonian Honorary Consulate in Huntersville, North Carolina yesterday. The Estonian honorary consul appointed to the area is Ralph Daetwyler.

Ralph Daetwyler was born on 9th of January 1979 in Smithtown, New York. He earned a Master’s Degree in Graphic Communications from Clemson University. He is a partner and co-founder of Daetwyler Clean Energy, building on the manufacturing base of Daetwyler Corporation by diversifying into the clean energy field. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Gravure Association of America and the Lake Norman Economic Development Committee.

The Honorary Consulate is located at 13420 Reese Blvd West, Huntersville, North Carolina 28078. The Consulate can be reached by phone (1 704) 659 7484 or by e-mail rdaetwyler@daetwyler.com

This is the 12th Honorary Consulate and 13th Honorary Consul of Estonia in the United States. (Read more: http://www.vm.ee/?q=en/node/5420)

Rakvere Theatre touring North America with "In the Whirl of Winds"

Sun, 02 Sep 2012 21:27:56 GMT

They rebel and demand their rights. One man thinks of the entire nation, but can't see the woman beside him. A second man demands the return of his land and loves the bride of another man. The woman doesn't know whom to choose. Passions surge, people fight. Everyone wants only the best, but everything is in a hurricane, inside the whirling winds. Who wins in such a situation?
Rakvere Theatre from Estonia tours North America with a famous play by August Kitzberg "In the Whirl of Winds". The play was written more than 100 years ago. In 1906 it was the opening play of the first Estonian professional theatre Vanemuine.

The play won the Audience Award of Rakvere Theatre in 2010/2011 as best production and was one of eight theatre productions that were chosen for the main programme of the Estonian Theatre Festival DRAMA 2011.

Program:
Sept 16th 2pm Chicago Estonian House
Sept 20th and 21st 7pm Ohio Northern University
Sept 23rd 2pm Toronto Tartu College (adult $20, students $10)
Sept 26th 8pm Washington H Street Playhouse (Facebook event here)
Sept 29th 7pm New York, Abigail Adams Smith Auditorium

Show will be translated simultaneously into English

Additional information: http://www.rakvereteater.ee/whirlwind/

ERR News: Ambassadors Express Confidence That America Remains Staunch Ally on Home Front

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 20:24:25 GMT

The new ambassador to Washington says the Obama administration is about more than rhetoric in terms of Estonia's national security.

Both Marina Kaljurand and ambassador to NATO Lauri Lepik, fresh from a conference of Estonian foreign service leaders in Tallinn last week, told ETV that the US takes a genuine interest in Estonia.

Continue reading at ERR News

Victims of totalitarian and authoritarian regimes commemorated on August 23rd

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 11:41:10 GMT

H.E. Ambassador Marina Kaljurand along with the Embassy staff attended today the remembrance ceremony of the victims of all totalitarian and authoritarian regimes at the Victims of Communism Memorial in Washington, DC.

August 23rd marks the anniversary of the 1939 signing of Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact which divided Europe between Germany and the Soviet Union. This date has been designated by the European Parliament as a Europe-wide Day of Remembrance for the victims of all totalitarian and authoritarian regimes, to be commemorated with dignity and impartiality. August 23rd is also known as Black Ribbon Day due to protests held in Western countries in 1986 which later spread to the Baltics, culminating in the Baltic Way demonstration with 2 million participants in 1989.

“This event in the history of Europe gave way to tragedies that left no one untouched,” said Ambassador Kaljurand. “By remembering the past and honoring its victims we show respect for freedom, democracy and human rights.”

The memorial event was held by The Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, with support from the Embassies of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania and The Joint Baltic American National Committee.

Ambassador Kaljurand participates in Midwest Estonian Association gathering

Sat, 18 Aug 2012 15:22:39 GMT

Ambassador Marina Kaljurand participated in Midwest Estonian Association's gathering "Late Summer Soirée" in Detroit, on August 10th and 11th. Ambassador gave a presentation on Estonian Foreign Policy in 2012.

The event featured also Maestro Taavo Virkhaus (Conductor Emeritus, Huntsville Symphony Orchestra), Tiit Telmet (multiple award-winning graphic designer, Toronto), Maestro Viljar Weimann (conductor, Shoals Symphony at UNA, Florence), Anne-Mai Palm and Heiki Palm (pianist and cellist, University of Alabama).

Since 1958, the Estonians in the Midwestern United States, as well as some from Canada and Estonia, have met annually to share their culture via lectures, music and dance.

A U.S. pilot of Estonian heritage killed in Vietnam was buried in Arlington today

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 16:04:22 GMT

The representatives of the Estonian Embassy in Washington attended today the burial ceremony of Major Aado Kommendant at Arlington National Cemetery. Deputy chief of mission Tanel Sepp laid a wreath on his grave on behalf of the President of Estonia Toomas Hendrik Ilves.

Kommendant was a U.S. Air Force pilot of Estonian heritage killed in action in Vietnam exactly 46 years ago, on August 8th 1966. His remains were recently found and returned to the U.S.
He was born in Paide, Estonia in 1941 and came to the States with his family in 1950. He joined the U.S. Air Force 1964.

More photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/estonian-foreign-ministry/7740163196/in/photostream

Foreign Minister Paet expressed condolences over Wisconsin shooting

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 15:31:20 GMT

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet expressed condolences to Secretary of State of the United States Hillary Clinton over the shooting incident at the Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin on August 5th.

“I would like to express my heartfelt and sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives. Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those killed and wounded and all the American people who were affected by this tragedy, ” said Foreign Minister Paet.

Arvo Pärt´s music will be performed in May 2014 in the U.S.

Sun, 08 Jul 2012 20:41:28 GMT

Please read more about the Arvo Pärt project at St. Vladimir´s Seminary:

http://arvopartproject.com/arvopartproject.com/Project.html

Get more acquainted with Estonia by joining Visit Estonia´s international Facebook page

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 20:20:10 GMT

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Announced New Project to Advise Emerging Democracies

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 14:40:24 GMT

U.S. Congressmen Meet with Prime Minister Andrus Ansip

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 16:01:33 GMT