Postimees web site, Tallinn, in Estonian -18 Nov 04

President Arnold Ruutel has said that the 1915 Turkish genocide of Armenians should be recognized and condemned. Asked why he or other Estonian leaders had not said so before, he said the situation ahead of accession to the EU had been tense, but now the country would have the strength to issue clear statements on foreign policy. The following is an excerpt from a report by the Estonian newspaper Postimees web site on 18 November:

When asked at Yerevan State University what Estonia thinks of the genocide committed by Turkey in 1915, President Arnold Ruutel said: "It is right that the injustice done to the people of Armenia should be recognized and condemned." Prolonged applause followed.

Correspondent You are the first top politician to condemn the genocide that took place 90 years ago and took the lives of more than 1m Armenians. Why has Estonia so far avoided clear statements?

Ruutel: Ahead of accession to the EU, Estonia itself was in a very tense situation and did not wish for foreign-policy involvement in acute crisis centres. Now, however, as Estonia is on solid ground, it has the strength - and I have faith in this - to issue clear statements on its positions. This cannot always coincide with all our allies in all nuances, since every country has also bilateral relations, even if some of the countries are located in crisis areas.

Understandably, EU value judgments form the basis for all this. They in turn are based on the understanding that there must be no injustice against any one people. If we speak of the Turkish-Armenian relations that have been historically difficult it is impossible to re-do anything or go into the reverse. The right thing, however, is to acknowledge what has been and this will create a spiritual basis for subsequent cooperation. Once there is acknowledgement there will be specific steps taken towards deeper mutual understanding.

Correspondent: What was your strongest message to Armenian President Robert Kocharyan?

Ruutel: To convey our experience of reform- how Estonia managed to reform its society and comply with quite harsh requirements that were necessary for EU membership. Passage omitted

Correspondent: On the one hand, Armenia aims to join Europe and is seeking an individual programme from NATO, on the other hand, there are more than 6,000 Russian soldiers there, as well as a clear military and security orientation on Moscow, which at present seems to them as the most solid guarantor of security. What would the EU have to offer to Armenia?

Ruutel: Perhaps we will succeed, precisely through the EU, in taking the Turkish-Armenian relations to a new level for a start. This is where we will certainly be able to help. So that the old hatred disappeared, to be replaced by the basic values that these societies are now aiming for. And to arrive at a more specific agreement on borders and territory.

Correspondent: Should Estonia be involved at all in the resolving of conflicts smoldering on the edge of Europe?

Ruutel: We have the experience of restoring our independence. Why not help the others inasmuch as it is within our powers? Positive cooperation with all Transcaucasus countries in the fields of the economy, culture, science and education encourages positive thinking in those societies, which is how they can, step-by-step, rise to cooperation between themselves. What is the alternative? Backwardness and regional instability on the verge of conflict that is constantly
smouldering.