UPDATE FROM MAY 17. The first round has apparently ended - many Tallinn marauders have been identified (see http://tuvasta.politsei.ee) , the Moscow blockade ended after interference by EU and NATO. The DDOS from networks however goes on, although a bit in a weakened state. Currently most official sources have been reachable from abroad, therefore this blog goes to the "orange state" with only the most important related news copied here.
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The purpose of this blog is to publish/mirror Estonian governmental and other information - this post here is the only one with personal opinion, others are copy-pasted from official sources (showing the original location).
In the early morning of April 26, 2007, the Estonian authorities moved the Bronze Soldier, an infamous Soviet memorial, from its previous place in Tallinn city centre to the War Cemetery somewhat outside the centre. The event was served by many (especially Russian media) as a major act of disrespect towards Russian soldiers. In fact, it was just a lighter. Had it not happened, the Russian propaganda machine would surely have invented another 'act of disrespect'. Especially as they removed a similar monument in Russia a week earlier without giving a say to anyone.
During the following week, Russians, not content with ravaging Tallinn city centre (using the dirty hands of their misguided countrymen), blockading the Estonian Embassy in Moscow and physically assaulting the Ambassador, also launched wide-scale DDOS attacks against Estonian servers (many directly from Russian government IPs). A number of Estonian government sites were from time to time unreachable - sites like this one were then created to prevent the rest of the world from succumbing to Russian blatant propaganda.
By the way - how come that the Russians have got those immense networks of conquered bot machines so handy for such a spontaneous act...? Here is the lesson to be learned.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Factfile: information update 8 May 2007
| Time: 14:41, 09.05.2007 |
| (originally found here) Police Information related to 8 May and 9 May
Information from Prosecutor’s Office as of 7 May
Identification of Remains, Future of Grave Marker
Integrating Estonia
|
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Russia’s Involvement in the Tallinn Disturbances
(originally found here)
A Compact Overview Compiled by the RKK (ICDS)
On the evening of April 26, unrest and vandalism broke out in Tallinn. During these events, the city suffered damage, the likes of which has not been seen since the air raid by the Soviet Air Force in 1944. Apparently the last previous occasion that someone was killed in street disturbances in Tallinn was 1918.The unrest was precipitated by the decision of the Government of Estonia to begin excavations at the site of a Soviet monument called the Bronze Soldier, with an eye towards relocating the monument to a military cemetery.Initially, both the Estonian authorities and our allies treated the events as local looting - an internal affair of Estonia. Agitators from abroad were seen to primarily have had a propagandistic role. Subsequently, Moscow’s involvement has become visible in a piecemeal fashion in a much broader variety of specific ways. Based on available information, a Working Group created by the ICDS has tried to chart where and how Moscow was involved in Tallinn’s “crystal night”. This analysis is based on publicly available information and on discussions with Estonian government officials. The following treatment is quite tentative and cursory. Our aim has simply been to assemble the facts that are known to date. On the one hand, we are hampered by having insufficient information, but on the other hand, there are other areas, such as the disinformation campaign being waged by the Russian media - which, due to an overabundance of source material - cannot be comprehensively analyzed within the purvey of a quickly written review, such as this one. Consequently, we have chosen to only highlight the facts that we feel are the most important, and that are likely to have impacted events as they unfolded.
How the Monument of the „Bronze Soldier“ was Transformed into a Magnet for Conflicts
The bronze statue of a soldier erected at Tõnismäe Green in the center of Tallinn (the Estonian capital) by the Stalinist regime in 1947 is one of the few monuments symbolizing Soviet ideology that remained standing in Estonia after the country reattained its independence in 1991. There are a number of reasons why the monument was previously left where it was. Of these reasons, one is of true significance at the present. Put succintly, the statue didn’t previously have an excessively polarizing effect. Persons who went to place flowers at the base of the statue didn’t behave in a provacative manner, while others who felt that the bronze monument reminded them of the difficulties of the Soviet era were somehow capable of averting their gaze.The situation was altered on May 9, 2006, when the police had to intervene in a conflict that arose between persons carrying flags of the USSR assaulted persons carrying the flag of the Republic of Estonia.The conflict caused a polarization of society, and the statue in question became the site of ongoing offensive agitation directed against Estonia. It became evident that something had to be done. The emotional climate surrounding the Bronze Soldier turned more and more aggressive in synchronicity with societal developments in Russia. Vladimir Putin, who ascended to the Russian Presidency in 2000, began to actively restore a version of history that was very similar to the earlier Soviet version of history, and he also brought back several symbols of the Empire that had disintegrated, such as the Soviet Anthem. Another example of this is the way in which the red flag was made the flag of the Armed Forces. Victory in the Second World War, which the Russians call the Great Fatherland War, became one of the primary message platforms used for the purpose of legitimizing the past, as well as the historical narrative that was in need of being restored to its earlier state.Moscow responded with increasing irritation to the unwillingness of the Western world to subscribe to this interpretation of history, and in particular to that of her former hostages. This trend was amplified by a deepening overall xenophobia in Russia. The disputes about history that accompanied the 60th anniversary of the World War were one of the culimations of this process. This was one of the first manifestations of attempts by Moscow - for all intents and purposes - to force her interpretation of history upon others. On that particular occasion, Russia’s attempt was destined to fail.It is difficult to pinpoint whether and to what extent Moscow knowingly contributed to the radicalization of the environment surrounding the statue of the Soviet soldier at Tõnismägi during the past three to four years. One way or another, the changes that took place in the psychological climate of Russia during the period described above could not have left the commmunity of Russians resident in Estonia unaffected, for they live to a substantial degree in the information sphere created by a media that is manipulated by the Russian government.The Estonian Government and above all the Reform Party have been accused of having made the so-called Bronze Soldier an electoral issue. It is important to try to appreciate that this was not an artifically induced campaign issue: the problem existed and lived a life of its own, independent of the realm of the general elections. Had it been left at its earlier location, the Bronze Soldier would have caused societal tensions every year in May, and possibly in September as well. A Bill presented with a certain amount of trepidation to the Riigikogu (Parliament) by the previous Estonian government, which envisaged the disinterrment of the war dead buried at the foot of the monument, along with the identification of the remains, to be followed by their reinterrment and the relocation of the monument, only became a true campaign issue when the Russian media, manipulated as much of it is by the Russian state, began to heatedly comment on the topic. These echoes were inevitably followed by reactions on the part of the Estonian media – reactions that became a part of the context that shaped the political landscape that led up to the elections.An additional form of evidence exists regarding of measures taken by the „powers that be“ in Moscow that contributed to the escalation of the situation. In 2006, The Embassy of the Russian Federation contributed to the production of a propaganda film named “Estonia – the Crossroads of History”, which presents a distorted version of Estonian history and incites hostility against Estonians and the Republic of Estonia, in an attempt to make Estonians somehow culpable for fascism and the war crimes of National Socialist Germany. Activities of the “Notshnoi Dozor” movement (“The Night Patrol”) were also justified by labeling these to be “antifascist” in nature. The Soviet monument at Tõnismägi plays a central role in the production. When the film was released, the Russian Embassy in Estonia stated that the film reflects the perspective of the country of Russia.Another example of Russia’s desire to radicalize the conflict can be seen in the disfavor experienced in the corridors of power in Russia by Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the State Duma Mr. Konstantin Kosachev, when he dared to suggest at the end of March that the relocation of the Tallinn statue was inevitable, and that it would be useful for Moscow to come to terms with the relocation, and to participate in the ceremonies related to its being moved. (Regnum, March 26, 2006).
Direct Involvement on the Part of the Embassy of the Russian Federation
There are grounds to suspect that the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, has been directly instructing local extremists and organizers of unrest.According to the Estonian Security Police, during the weeks leading up to the disturbances that took place in Estonia, Senior Counselor of the Embassy of the Russian Federation Sergei Overtshenko met repeatedly at the Tallinn Botanical Gardens with Dmitri Linter, who is the leader of “The Night Patrol” – the grouping that is suspected of having organized the rioting. (Source: Postimees, April 25, 2007).In a similar manner - Andrei Zarenkov - the leader of the Constitution Party in Estonia, who is one of the most active of the defenders of the Tonismae memorial statue, met on April 18, 2006 with Vadim Vassilyev, the First Secretary of the Russian Embassy. On the same day, Zarenkov announced that the leadership of the Constitution Party had decided to recruit bands of volunteer agitators, whose task was to convince servicemen and women in the Estonian military that intervention by the Armed Forces in the event of a conflict would be impermissible. (Sources: Baltic News Service, April 18, 2007 and Postimees, April 25, 2007).
Actions of Russian Youth Movements
The fact that the youth organizations that maintained a blockade around the area of the Embassy of the Republic of Estonia in Moscow for a period of one week (April 27 – May 1, 2007) are linked to the Kremlin is widely known, with the Nashi movement at the forefront. There are several indications that belie the fact that the encirclement of the Embassy was officially sanctioned, and that the authorities provided support to the picketing youngsters. These are aspects that don’t characterize ordinary spontaneous demonstrations. Participants in the siege had a bus for the preparation of food, over 30 identical tents, modern water dispensers, proper sound equipment, and high-quality placards, which were replaced with new placards every day (Eesti Päevaleht, May 2, 2007). Moscow sanitation workers help to keep the site clean. Leased buses brought protestors from the furthest reaches of Russia’s regions. According to Eesti Päevaleht, people arrived from places as distant as Mordovia. (Eesti Päevaleht, May 5, 2007).The Russian militia (police), which is tasked with providing security and ensuring normal working conditions for the Embassy, clearly did inadequate work, operating sporadically. On most occasions, protestors were moved aside to permit the official vehicle of the Ambassador to depart and arrive, but not always. On April 27, Ambassador Marina Kaljurand was forced to reenter the Embassy after an abortive attempt to leave. On several occasions, the people laying siege to the Embassy blocked invited guests from entering the Embassy, and the police did nothing. Jaanus Piirsalu – an Eesti Päevaleht reporter – shouldered his way into the Embassy of his own volition on May 29, but Vice-Consul Silver Laanemäe was unable to gain access to the door of the Embassy on the evening of the same day, and was forced to depart (source: conversations with Embassy staff).The most impermissible events that took place during this week-long saga in Moscow were the attack that took place against Ambassador Marina Kaljurand at a press conference convened at the premises of the Arguments and Facts newspaper on May 2, and the firing of guns at the windows of the Embassy on the night of May 3. The Moscow militia were either incapable of thwarting or unwilling to stave off either of these incidents.The most apparent indication of the fact that the blockade of the Embassy took place with the approval of the authorities is manifested by the way that it came to an end. The Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation promised in a phone call to his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier that the Government would ensure that the police force would terminate the blockade of the Embassy, but only under one condition, that being the departure from Moscow of the Estonian Ambassador (Financial Times, Germany, May 5, 2007). The departure of the Ambassador was something that the Nashi youth movement had also demanded, and which they subsequently heralded as their victory. After the departure of the Ambassador, the people who had laid siege to the Embassy packed up their field camp and left. The militia removed its barriers at the same time, almost in a synchronized fashion.
Cyberattacks
Beginning on April 27, Estonia fell victim to a series of powerful cyberattacks. The attacks entailed a broad array of techniques, beginning with simple spam posting and ranging to well-coordinated DDoS (Distributed Denial-of-Service) attacks against the IT systems of the Government. A DDoS attack consists of the sending of multitudes of meaningless queries by many computers to a specific server or to a network of computers. As a result, the targeted network or server becomes oversaturated or simply ceases to function.The cyberattacks were coordinated in the Internet in the Russian language. Many of the attacks originated from computer networks and servers situated in Russia. The Internet was used to distribute detailed instructions on how to act in the Russian language. These instructions covered topics about the nature and execution of attacks (how to attack), as well as information about targets (what to attack) and timing (when to attack). The instructions were disseminated on websites, in forums, and in chat spaces.In most cases, these were very basic instructions, which don’t require the user to have particular knowledge or skills. This facilitates attacks being carried out at the level of the ordinary citizen. All one requires is access to a computer with an Internet connection.The first attack took place on April 27 after the first night of rioting and was fairly simple. The portrait of Prime Minister Andrus Ansip on the home page of the Estonian Reform Party was defaced. On the same day, the first denial-of-service attacks were directed against Estonian government organizations. Some of these were successful, but it was possible to restore the normal operation of the websites within a reasonably short time.The first signs that someone was urging attacks to be carried out against Estonian web pages was discovered on April 28 at the address http://2ch.ru and http://forum.xaker.ru. Discussions were also taking place about how to finance the rental of the server farms and botnets needed to carry out massive attacks.A botnet (a robot network) consists of a large number of hijacked computers that are used for the purpose carrying out an attack or for distributing junk mail. So-called Trojan Horse applications are often used for the hijacking of computers. These log onto chat lines in the Internet and await instructions from the party who controls the botnet. Botnets are ordinarily owned by criminal gangs, who rent botnets in order to be able to launch attacks, usually against enterprises, for criminal purposes. Simultaneously, the detailed orders to attack, as described earlier, were being disseminated via the Internet. Although the majority of the attacks that resultantly took place were of a rather primitive nature, they were effective for the purposes of creating chaos and confusion. The attacks were also discussed and coordinated in concert in IRC (Internet Relay Chat) environments, which are intended to be used for group discussions. The consequence was a large incremental increase in spontaneous attacks carried out by individuals.On April 30, a sharp rise took place in respect to the sophistication of attacks and the resources that are needed to carry out such attacks. From this point on, a number of very complex attacks were launched. The attacker or attackers were able to dedicate substantial resources to the attacks against Estonia, which is indicative of the existence of a well organized and financed opponent.By this time, the Estonian authorities had blocked the majority of Internet traffic arriving in Estonia from IP addresses with the extension .ru, as well as from other foreign IP addresses. Then the brunt of the attack shifted to Domain Name Servers in the DNS system. Domain Name Servers “translate” IP addresses into human-friendly website names that are utilized by the majority of Internet users. As a result, websites become recognizable as addresses (for instance, in the form www.nato.int), instead of appearing as numerical IP-address combinations (an example of which would be 127.0.2.6.4.7). Putting the DNS-system out of commission would cripple all Internet use throughout Estonia. Some of these attacks were able to achieve temporary success.During the first days of May, telecommunications companies (Elion and Elisa) providing Internet services and Estonian media publications (Postimees) were added to the list of targets. The attackers covered their tracks by using global bot networks (not all of which are located in Russia), by using proxy servers located in third countries as the channels for their attacks, and by distorting their IP addresses.
Government-controlled Media in Russia
Research shows that residents of Estonia who do not speak or comprehend Estonian do not follow much of the Estonian media (including the Russian-language Estonian media). Since television is the most important source of information for persons of over twenty years of age, and in view of the fact that nearly ¾ of Russians in Estonia actively watch programs broadcast by Russian state TV channels, which are conspicuous by virtue of their anti-Estonian attitudes, it is safe to say that Russian television channels play a substantial role in shaping the information space of Russians resident in Estonia. (University of Tartu Study – “Me. The World. Media 2005”). Opinions expressed by participants in the unrest and their supporters repeat the false information and propaganda broadcast by the government-controlled media in Russia. The government-controlled TV and Internet media in Russia have been shaping anti-Estonian-Republic and anti-Estonian attitudes for an extended period. Subjective reporting and opinions on the situation in Estonia (unfounded accusations about violations of human rights, “fascist mentality”, etc.) as well as propaganda films have been broadcast. Anti-Estonian attacks intensified particularly during the last few months. During the middle of April, regular calls for the institution of sanctions against Estonia started to appear in the Russian media. Outright demands have also been made for starting a war against Estonia. (For instance, by Dmitri Rogozin, member of the Russian Duma and leader of the patriotic movement Rodina - Postimees, April 21, 2007).The history and nature of the media war being waged by Moscow against Estonia, as well as more widely against the West, would actually warrant the writing of a more comprehensive research paper. It is, however, possible to highlight some facts that can be interpreted as direct attempts to influence the events that took place in Tallinn.On 26 April, the Russian TV channel RTR repeatedly broadcast an interview with Dmitri Linter, one of the main organizers of the unrest, in which the latter threatened Estonia with civil war and promised, among other things, that in a few days, the Estonian state will no longer be taking orders from “this government.” The next day, the same TV channel reported in its live broadcast from Tallinn on a Night Patrol member who phoned from his supposed place of detention, and who described the events there, claiming that one person had been beaten to death and taken away in view of the other detainees. This information, which turned out to be untrue, had – in all likelihood – the effect of being a speech that incited some of the unrest that took place on the following evening.Tendentious and even totally untrue reflections of the events in Tallinn are evident in respect to everything that took place in Tallinn. Youth gangs that went on a rampage of vandalism are called peaceful demonstrators and footage of looting is avoided on TV. Fabrications about police brutality are presented instead. In respect to the relocated Bronze Soldier, it was asserted that the Estonian authorities had sawed it into bits. Dmitri Ganin, who was killed during the unrest, was portrayed by many Russian media organizations as having died in a clash with the police while protecting the Bronze Soldier. The fact that the stabbing could not have been committed by the police was suppressed, since the police do not have such weapons, as was the fact that the unfortunate incident happened on Tatari Street, about 500 meters away from the Bronze Soldier, and quite some time before police units arrived on Tatari Street. False accounts were also disseminated about the supposed slowness of the arrival of the ambulance.
Economic pressure
Russia has also started applying economic pressure on Estonia, which currently primarily affects transit and transport companies, such as Estonian Railways, the Port of Tallinn, Port of Sillamäe, Port of Paldiski, and companies operating in these ports, such as Coal Terminal, DBT, Alexela, Pakterminal, Eurodek, Stivis, Petromax, and E.O.S..According to Andrus Kuusmann, Managing Director of the Association of Transit, the loading of transit goods in Russia for movement through Estonia has decreased by 60% since the beginning of May, including a complete cessation of the loading of coal and fertilizer, and there has been an approximately 50% reduction in the loading of petroleum products compared to previous levels (only the Krishi refinery in the East is sending shipments towards Estonia). (Source: Official memorandum from the Association of Estonian Transit to the Government of Estonia, May 7, 2007).On May 3, Russia’s October Railway notified GoRail, a company providing international passenger transport, that it will terminate the servicing of the Tallinn-St. Petersburg-Tallinn passenger train.On May 3, the confectionary producer Kalev was notified that all their sales contracts in Russia have been cancelled. The Russian market represented 7-8% of Kalev’s sales volume.Several companies operating in Estonia (such as Spacecom and Transgroup Invest) have announced that in order to maintain relations with Russia, they will register their companies in third countries.Near the Ivangorod border checkpoint, Nashi members have tried to stop trucks with Estonian license plates, in order to frighten drivers and interfere in the hauling of goods.On Friday, the Russian fertilizer producer Akron announced the suspension of its investments in Estonia, justifying this on the basis of the relocation of the Red Army monument from the center of Tallinn (Baltic News Service, May 4, 2007).Conflicting information is being received regarding meat and dairy products. According to information from the Nõo meat packing plant, Russian retail chains have received a letter from the local veterinary authority prohibiting the sale of Estonian meat (Baltic News Service, May 4, 2007), while the Estonian Veterinary and Food Inspectorate confirms that it has received no official notification regarding the supposed non-conformity of Estonian products to Russian standards, and that products continue to move toward Russia.
Memorial Day in Tallinn
| Time: 13:29, 08.05.2007 |
(originally found here) Today, members of the Government and foreign ambassadors and diplomats based in Tallinn attended a special laying of wreaths at Maarjamäe 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 Maarjamäe 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 Tõnismägi,” 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 National broadcasters from the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Poland, Japan, and Ireland had also expressed their interest in covering the Memorial Day events. |
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
The first cyber-attacker caught
(originally found here)
Dmitri, a 19-year old resident of Tallinn and a student of higher technical education, was taken into custody today by the Central Criminal Police in connection with the recent cyber attacks against Estonia.
Dmitri is suspected of computer sabotage and of damaging connections to the computer network (Penal Code §206 and § 207). He actively participated on various Internet forums helping to organise cyber attacks, announced the spokesperson of the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Dmitri independently volunteered and supervised other forum users in organizing the so-called DDoS attacks against several Estonian servers. As an Estonian resident, Dmitri had a good overview of the local Internet landscape and had the know-how for choosing targets. He instigated attacks against the web pages of local authorities as well as various political parties.
“Those who believe that they can be completely anonymous on the Internet and do whatever they like are seriously mistaken,” said Public Prosecutor Margus Kurm. “There are many competent specialists with the Estonian Police who are capable of tracking down even the most shrewd hackers”.
Senior Superintendent of the Central Criminal Police, Ivo Kolk, stated that the police has vowed to prosecute, to the full extent of the law, those attacking Estonian servers. “This crime, like any other crime, leaves a trace that will lead us to apprehending the criminals. The Central Criminal Police, in co-operation with specialists of other local authorities and private enterprises, has determined the main channels of anti-Estonian attacks as well as the culprits”.
Criminal proceedings for the apprehension of the organisers of the cyber attacks continue, and the number of suspects may increase. The purpose is to apprehend and prosecute all Estonian residents who have attacked servers themselves or have aided hackers from outside Estonia to do so.
Through international co-operation, Estonia aims to pursue the individuals who perpetrated these cyber crimes and bring them to justice, in accordance with the laws of Estonia.
Dmitri, a 19-year old resident of Tallinn and a student of higher technical education, was taken into custody today by the Central Criminal Police in connection with the recent cyber attacks against Estonia.
Dmitri is suspected of computer sabotage and of damaging connections to the computer network (Penal Code §206 and § 207). He actively participated on various Internet forums helping to organise cyber attacks, announced the spokesperson of the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Dmitri independently volunteered and supervised other forum users in organizing the so-called DDoS attacks against several Estonian servers. As an Estonian resident, Dmitri had a good overview of the local Internet landscape and had the know-how for choosing targets. He instigated attacks against the web pages of local authorities as well as various political parties.
“Those who believe that they can be completely anonymous on the Internet and do whatever they like are seriously mistaken,” said Public Prosecutor Margus Kurm. “There are many competent specialists with the Estonian Police who are capable of tracking down even the most shrewd hackers”.
Senior Superintendent of the Central Criminal Police, Ivo Kolk, stated that the police has vowed to prosecute, to the full extent of the law, those attacking Estonian servers. “This crime, like any other crime, leaves a trace that will lead us to apprehending the criminals. The Central Criminal Police, in co-operation with specialists of other local authorities and private enterprises, has determined the main channels of anti-Estonian attacks as well as the culprits”.
Criminal proceedings for the apprehension of the organisers of the cyber attacks continue, and the number of suspects may increase. The purpose is to apprehend and prosecute all Estonian residents who have attacked servers themselves or have aided hackers from outside Estonia to do so.
Through international co-operation, Estonia aims to pursue the individuals who perpetrated these cyber crimes and bring them to justice, in accordance with the laws of Estonia.
MFA note to Russia concerning the remains of Soviet soldiers
(originally found here)
Time: 09:03, 08.05.2007
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 Tõnismägi 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 Tõnismägi. 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.
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 Tõnismägi 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 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
Time: 09:03, 08.05.2007
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 Tõnismägi 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 Tõnismägi. 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.
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 Tõnismägi 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 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
WWII end event held in Tallinn
| Time: 22:52, 07.05.2007 |
(originally found here) 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 Maarjamäe. 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. Tel: 7170 078 |
| Time: 14:05, 07.05.2007 |
| 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 Maarjamäe 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. |
Friday, May 4, 2007
Factfile: Topical issues 4 May 2007
(originally found here)
Time: 17:01, 04.05.2007
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 Tõnismägi have been completed. 12 caskets with remains have been found in the war grave at Tõnismägi. 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. After that relatives can contact Estonia either via the Russian Red Cross or the Estonian Embassy. The Red Cross will also send enquires to all CIS countries.
* The temporary tent which covered the war graves excavation site at Tõnismägi 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 Maarjamägi 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 Jõhvi 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.
Time: 17:01, 04.05.2007
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 Tõnismägi have been completed. 12 caskets with remains have been found in the war grave at Tõnismägi. 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. After that relatives can contact Estonia either via the Russian Red Cross or the Estonian Embassy. The Red Cross will also send enquires to all CIS countries.
* The temporary tent which covered the war graves excavation site at Tõnismägi 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 Maarjamägi 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 Jõhvi 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.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
NATO Secretary General to the President of the Republic: the alliance supports Estonia
| Time: 10:36, 03.05.2007 |
(originally found here) 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. |
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Prime Minister Andrus Ansip´s speech in Riigikogu on 2 May 2007
I was planning to start my today’s statement in a bit different manner but the events that took place this morning do not allow me. A physical attack against the Ambassador of Estonia to Moscow that did not lead to the worst consequences due to the adequate measures taken by the police is not just a minor joke of the protestors. This, together with the continuing cyber-attacks from the servers of Russian state authorities, together with tearing the Estonian flag off our embassy and together with statements made by the delegates of the Russian Duma, calling for the change of government in Estonia, indicates that our sovereign state is under a heavy attack. All these events evidence that these are not our internal matters we are dealing with but it is a well-coordinated and flagrant intervention with the internal affairs of Estonia.
We have turned to the European Union and we ask them to take immediate action. Attacking one member state means an attack against the entire European Union.
Good members of the Riigikogu,
For me Estonia has always been a small and beautiful country where people living here can feel as almost a part of a family. A family that cares about the common future. A family that preserves common values. Where everything is done for the benefit of our descendants.
Should the events that took place during the two nights of last week make me or us to change this opinion, this conviction?
No.
The rioting and vandalism that took place on the streets during the two nights of last week gave us a bitter knowledge that right here besides us lives a small group of people who are not able or do not want to hold on to our common country. The days that have followed these depressing nights have still given us assurance that there are also very many people caring about our country, people who condemned the barbarity of the vandals.
Those are the people who love Estonia regardless of their national background and who consider important that our life should continue moving in the direction that it has taken during the last 16 years. These are the people who, regardless of their nationality, consider Estonia to be unique and ours, for whom the future of Estonia equals to their future and the future of their children. Such people, both with Estonian and Russian background, form the absolute majority.
Good members of the Riigikogu,
During the last year I have been standing here in front of you on several occasions, answering questions related to the situation at Tõnismäe. Questions demanding an answer – when will the monument, being the source for so much tension, be relocated?
I have been also discussing with you that the bronze soldier standing at Tõnismäe did not have a univalent meaning.
If the monument located in one of the busiest locations in city centre symbolised for some of us occupants and deporters, for others the memory of the dead and grief, and for some people nostalgia for a totalitarian state that has disappeared, then it really could not be a monument unifying our society.
As it has been stated here several times before – relocating the monument being the focal point for political provocations to a more suitable location had become the only option from the point of view of national security.
I know that among you there are people who now would like to ask, whether now was the right time to do it? Maybe we should have waited – waited for a year or two?
I can assure you – long wait and delay was not possible and it could have had consequences compared to which the events that took place last week would have probably seemed to be just innocent frolicking.
As I have confirmed to you before – it was the Government’s wish to complete the excavation of remains first and only then relocate the monument with full honours and a suitable ceremony. The wave of vandalism that started in Tallinn at night on April 26, the attacks of the criminals against the safety and property of Estonian people, left the crisis management committee and the extraordinary meeting of the cabinet no choice.
In order to prevent violent conflicts, the Government had to react decisively and quickly. Something had to be done right away.
On the night of April 26th we had two choices – whether to take control of the situation, together with all the responsibilities relating to the future, or to allow the control to be taken by those who had come to the streets for rioting.
We assumed responsibility and decided the course of events.
The monument was removed early in the morning, after the rioting of criminals ravaging the city had faded away.
In its new location, the bronze monument has been already accepted by hundreds of people over a short period of time. “Beautiful,” summarised the situation in the new location a Russian-speaking lady. Her straightforward reaction probably characterises the best the opinion of those people who really care about the monument itself, and not about the incitements of riots or a coup d’état that use the monument as a pretext.
I think that soon there will be thousands of people like that, both Estonian- and Russian-speakers, as in its new environment the monument has no longer manifold meanings. In its new location at a cemetery, the monument has become a memorial to those killed during the war, and it can no longer symbolise those guilty for the sufferings of our nation – deporters and killers of 100,000 people, people causing 100,000 Estonians to flee from their homes.
What will happen next?
First of all – we all must be grateful to all those who came and helped our people during these restless nights. We are grateful to the police, ambulance personnel, doctors, members of rescue teams. We are also grateful to those who do all they can to punish the criminals – our law enforcement authorities.
But I would also like to thank those ordinary people who came and helped to liquidate the consequences of the acts of vandalism.
I still have this image in front of me where a shop owner, speaking with tears in his eyes, told about complete strangers bringing back some valuable goods found on the floor of the neighbouring shop that was also vandalised. Those items had probably fallen out of thieves’ pockets while rampaging through the next shop... Isn’t it a bitter but telling example, characterising so well the different attitude of different people on those nights...
I would also like to thank our friends – foreign countries who have voiced their support and offered help. Among those countries are our closest neighbours in the south and across the sea, but also a large number of other EU member states, our partners in NATO, as well as countries not belonging to neither of those organisations. It means a lot for us to know that that we have so many supporters. We value it most highly. But I would also repeat what I said at the beginning of my statement – we expect from the European Union a straightforward reaction to the well-coordinated attacks of Russia.
Good members of the Riigikogu,
The calm Walpurg’s Night does not mean that the provocations targeted at causing tension and attempts to incite conflicts are gone forever. It is not so.
The following days will be probably full of misleading information that aims at nothing else but inflating anger. I am sure there will be people behaving in a provocative manner. There will be different calls for organising various actions. There are those, whose business or personal interests are related to Russia so tightly that the field of information they live in has affected their opinions and statements made with respect to the events in Estonia.
We have to be prepared for all of that. We must be superior to all of that.
We – you – everybody has their electors. I am asking you to address them and ask them to remain calm and not go along with the provocations that still may take place in the near future.
It is in the interest of all of us – parents, teachers, war veterans and freedom-fighters – that the paid provokers and criminals would not disgrace the memory of the dead and spoil the future for all of us, especially our children and grandchildren, in our European and beloved Estonia.
In order to accomplish that, I am asking support, understanding and assistance from all of you. Let us show that hostile provocations, violence and criminals do not have a place in the Christian and European tradition, as well as in celebrations.
I call on everybody to commemorate those fallen in World War II on May 8th and celebrate the Festival of Europe on May 9th in an European way – with dignity and peacefully. This has always been the way things are done in Estonia.
To conclude, I would like to rephrase what has been said by President Lennart Meri:
“One country cannot have two futures standing back to back to each other.”
All of us have to understand, realize and accept that we have people with different past living in our country. But we have a common future. Right here, in our common state. In Estonia.
This is what we must work for. The Parliament, the Government and the people. All together.
Thank you.
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