Estonia celebrates Day of Restoration of Independence
(ERR)
“Late at night on August 20, 1991, the Supreme Council of Estonia declared the independence of the Republic of Estonia on the basis of national unanimity and restored diplomatic relations of the Republic of Estonia with other countries.”
https://news.err.ee/1125571/estonia-celebrates-day-of-restoration-of-independence
“2020 ei tohi olla aasta, mille kohta 30 aastat hiljem öeldakse – see oli hetk, mil jäime ilma oma vabadustest”
(Postimees)
“President Kersti Kaljulaid pidas Eesti Vabariigi 29. taasisesesvumise päeva puhul Kadrioru roosiaias kõne, kus asetas suure rõhuasetuse kodanikuvabaduste kaitsmisele.”
President Kersti Kaljulaidi järel kõneles roosiaias kunstnik, koreograaf ja luuletaja Sveta Grigorjeva
(Postimees)
“Kunstniku sõnul on Eesti vabast ühiskonnast kaugenemas. «Olen siin, teadmisega, et mind võib oodata poliitiline tagakiusamine, tööde ülesütlemine, isegi kohtukutse. See on tänapäeva reaalsus. Ometi ei saa vaiki olla. Leidsin end riigist, kus tänane koalitsioon tegeleb päevast päeva naiste, noorte, vähemuste, võõrtööliste ja tööandjate alandamisega. Leidsin end riigist, mille tänane koalitsioon juurutab jõuliselt arvamust, et vaba riik ja vaba inimene olemine on võimalik teatud mõtlemise, rahvuse, rassi, usutunnustuse ja seksuaalse sättumuse arvelt.”
“Jüri Ratas: arvan, et Grigorjeva tõstatatud probleemiasetus oli väga õige.” - Postimees
Transcript: President Kersti Kaljulaid on the 29th anniversary of the Estonian restoration of independence
(President.ee)
“We cannot allow 2020 to be a year, of which in 30 years we’ll say: that was the point at which we began to lose our freedoms. The danger does exist. Confusion was rife at the beginning of the pandemic. That’s understandable. Yet during times of uncertainty, rapid decision-making, and subsequent revisions of those decisions, transparency and clarity in regard to the rationale for leaders’ choices are of the utmost importance. Otherwise, we will lose faith in the state based on rights and justice, and will be left uncertain of our rights. And that is the end of true freedom.”
Interview: Former president Toomas Hendrik Ilves
(Postimees)
https://news.postimees.ee/7041121/ilves-estonia-s-good-reputation-now-dull
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Friday 21. August
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Kersti Kaljulaid võib kandideerida 2021. suvel vabanevale OECD juhiks
(Postimees)
“Plaaniks on seda veel palju nimetada, sest Kersti Kaljulaid on president tuleva aasta oktoobrini ja keskendub sellele tööle, nagu ta on teinud seda viimased neli aastat. Aga tõsi ta on, et rahvusvaheliste organisatsioonide juhte otsitakse ja president Kaljulaid on andnud nõusoleku, et tema kandidatuuri sobivuse üle võib arutada.”
https://www.postimees.ee/7044237/kersti-kaljulaid-voib-kandideerida-oecd-juhiks
Estonia 2035: Birth rate increase needed to maintain Estonian populace
(ERR)
“The first-ever future strategy is being developed in Estonia, aiming to set guidelines until 2035 for the actions needed to ensure the sustainability of the Estonian populace.”
https://news.err.ee/1126237/estonia-2035-birth-rate-increase-needed-to-maintain-estonian-populace
400-year old ship found in the Baltic Sea
(Euronews)
“A group of volunteer divers in Finland stumbled across the ship while searching for WWI and WWII wrecks at the mouth of the Gulf of Finland. … Wooden wrecks can only survive in a few places in the world. Low salinity in the Baltic Sea, combined with absolute darkness and very low temperatures all year round, have protected this ‘Fluit’ ship from being destroyed by chemical, biochemical and biological decaying processes.”
https://www.euronews.com/2020/08/21/a-400-year-old-ship-has-been-found-in-the-baltic-sea
Soome lahel lõbusõitu teinud eestlased kohtusid Vene allveelaevaga
(Postimees)
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Thursday 20. August
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Estonia launches coronavirus exposure notification app ‘HOIA'
(ERR)
“The purpose of the free app - which is optional and not mandatory - is to inform close contacts of those infected with the coronavirus and to provide them with initial instructions on how to proceed. Its aim is to limit the spread of coronavirus.
In this way, the user can quickly find out about possible close contact with a COVID-19 infected person, allowing them to take steps to protect their own health and the health of others.”
https://news.err.ee/1125119/feature-estonia-launches-coronavirus-exposure-notification-app-hoia
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Estonia’s Foreign Minister: Europe Needs to Revise Travel Policies
(Schengen Visa Info)
“The system of restrictions jointly agreed by the Baltic States has worked well, and the number of infection rate is rising throughout Europe, travelling abroad should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.”
5,500 US Troops to Be Stationed at Bases in Poland
(Sofrep)
“Defense Secretary Mark Esper said that the Agreement with Poland “will enhance deterrence against Russia, strengthen NATO, reassure our Allies, and our forward presence in Poland on NATO’s eastern flank will improve our strategic and operational flexibility.”
https://sofrep.com/news/5500-us-troops-to-be-stationed-in-poland/
“Germany Fears Weakening of NATO.” - VOA
“US and Poland sign Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.” - VOA
“White House Statement on the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with the Republic of Poland.” - White House
“The American military’s presence in Europe is shifting eastward.” - The Military Times
Could the Belarus crisis have implications for the Suwalki Gap?
(Poland In)
“Ever since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine when Russia’s capability and willingness to use aggression for its territorial and strategic aims became crystal clear NATO strategists have been looking carefully at a 40 mile wide stretch of border between Poland Lithuania called the Suwalki Gap. The two highways through the gap serve as the only land corridor through which NATO troops could pass to reinforce the Baltic states in event of conflict with Russia.”
Putin Critic Alexey Navalny Allegedly Poisoned by Toxin in His Tea
By Anna Nemtsova and Martha Mercer, The Daily Beast
“Vladimir Putin’s nemesis, corruption fighter Aleksey Navalny, is fighting for his life in a Siberian hospital after being poisoned at an airport while travelling to Moscow.”
“5 things to know about Russian opposition leader Navalny.” - Politico
“What Navalny’s Poisoning Really Says About the Current State of Putin’s Russia.” - The New Yorker
“Why Putin Might be Hoping Navalny Survives His Poisoning.” - Foreign Policy
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Wednesday 19. August
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Estonian government approves testing as alt. to 14-day quarantine - testing for Estonians entering country will be free
(ERR)
“Minister of Foreign Affairs Urmas Reinsalu (Isamaa) announced on social media on Tuesday that the government decided to approve an alternative to the existing 14-day quarantine requirement.”
—
"Starting September 1, it is possible to take a test, go to work, and with sufficient avoidance of contact, take a test a week later. This is a trustworthy alternative, which allows for unavoidable travel and also protects public health.” He told ERR on Tuesday that the results of the test will be ready in a few hours or days. If the results are negative, the person does not have to quarantine.”
https://news.err.ee/1125012/government-approves-testing-as-alternative-to-14-day-quarantine
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https://news.err.ee/1125300/foreign-minister-testing-for-estonians-entering-country-will-be-free
Soome valitsus jättis Eesti uute reisipiirangute alt välja
(ERR)
“Soome valitsus lisas kolmapäeval uute riikidena reisipiirangute nimekirja Norra, Taani, Islandi, Saksamaa, Kreeka ja Malta. Eestist saabuvad reisijad jäävad Soome saabumisel karantiinikohustuse alt välja.”
https://www.err.ee/1125283/soome-valitsus-jattis-eesti-uute-reisipiirangute-alt-valja
“Finnish government: Estonian travelers need not quarantine under new rules.” - ERR
Finland Has a Plan for an Invasion of Russia’s Little Green Men
(Foreign Policy)
“Training films reveal how to sell a complicated fight to a conscript army.”
https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/08/15/finland-army-russia-little-green-men/
US completes a USD11 million European deterrence initiative project at Ämari
By Sten Hankewitz, Estonian World
“… to construct a new tactical fighter apron adjacent to the runway that will accommodate parking for twelve tactical fighter aircraft and turnaround space for transport aircraft …”
Sillamäe's city center to become heritage conservation area
(ERR)
“… most of the city centers put on the list of heritage conservation areas in Estonia so far date from the Medieval period up to the first quarter of the 20the century, Sillamäe's inclusion in the list will make the list more complete.”
https://news.err.ee/1124791/sillamae-s-city-center-to-become-heritage-conservation-area
“Sillamäe kesklinn läheb muinsuskaitse alla.” - Postimees
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Belarus
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Belarusians 'will never accept' Lukashenko's leadership, says opposition's Svetlana Tsikhanouskaya
(Deutsche Welle)
“The opposition leader gave her first press conference since fleeing the country. Earlier, she called on workers to step up their strikes in a bid to make Lukanskenko resign.”
https://www.dw.com/en/belarus-tsikhanouskaya-strikes/a-54645404
“One Woman’s Ordeal in Detention in Belarus.” - Open Democracy
“Belarus diary: One protester’s week on the streets in Minsk.” - Washington Post
Estonian government does not recognize Belarus election results
(ERR)
“Vabariigi Valitsus otsustas, et me ei tunnusta Valgevene valimistulemusi. Valitsus on seisukohal, et massiliste võltsimiste tõttu valimistel on Lukašenka kaotanud oma mandaadi. Vajalik on poliitiline dialoog, et saavutada uute ja vabade valimiste läbiviimine.”
https://news.err.ee/1125073/estonian-government-does-not-recognize-belarus-election-results
“Latvia and Estonia to introduce individual sanctions against Belarusian officials.” - LETA
“Estonian journalists denied entry to Belarus at Minsk Airport.” - ERR
“Euroopa Liit ei tunnusta Valgevene presidendivalimiste tulemusi.” - ERR
“EU will not recognise Lukashenko’s re-election.” - France24
“Lukašenka andis KGB-le korralduse protestid maha suruda.” - Postimees
Putin wants Belarus in Moscow's orbit with or without Lukashenko
(Deutsche Welle - Opinion)
“Russian President Vladimir Putin may not send tanks to Belarus. But he will strive to bail out its embattled leader Alexander Lukashenko — on Moscow's terms …”
“Putin bets on Lukashenko keeping power in Belarus for now.” - Reuters
“Watching Belarus Means Watching Russia Too.” - Chatham House
“Report: Belarus is flexing its military ‘muscles’ close to NATO’s borders.” - Defense Blog, 18. Aug.
“Report: Russia sent unmarked military columns to Belarus.” - Defense Blog
“Report: Belarus’ long-range missile systems spotted near Lithuanian border.” - Defense Blog, 17. Aug.
The 22-Year-Old Blogger Behind Protests in Belarus
By Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic
“Just as in Hong Kong a few months ago, the crowds knew when to arrive and where to go. They knew what they were marching for … And yet, at most of these marches, few leaders were visible; no one ascended a stage or delivered a speech into a microphone. The opposition presidential candidate, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who probably won the contested election held on August 9, fled the country last week. How did everyone know exactly what to do? The answer, improbably, is a 22-year-old blogger named Stsiapan Sviatlou, who lives outside the country and runs a channel called Nexta Live on the encrypted messaging app Telegram.”
On the Knife's Edge in Belarus
(Spiegel)
“After the first phase of shock and fear, the people are now showing pride and self-confidence. Will that go far enough?”
Belarus: Shenanigans and intimidation
(Meduza)
“On condition of anonymity, a handful of these election workers in Minsk spoke to Meduza about voting in early August and why they were unable to prevent Lukashenko’s victory by counting votes honestly.”
https://meduza.io/en/feature/2020/08/19/how-belarus-voted
Belarus Goes Its Own Way
(Foreign Affairs)
“The people of Belarus are giving their government one last chance to listen to their voices.”
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/belarus/2020-08-18/belarus-goes-its-own-way
‘No one can take our power from us anymore’ - Belarus’ Women in White
(Thomson Reuters Foundation, Opinion)
“Belarusian women have taken to the streets to call for President Lukashenko to quit.”
https://news.trust.org/item/20200820175337-r2ul1/
Kremlin Begins Security Forces Support for Lukashenko Following Regional Security Service Defection
(ISWR, 19. August)
“A Kremlin security force intervention into Belarus on behalf of President Alexander Lukashenko is reportedly underway following the defection of Belarusian Interior Ministry elements in Grodno, which is near the Polish and Lithuanian borders. German newspaper Bild reported on August 19 that the Kremlin began using Russian Air Force and Ministry of Internal Affairs trucks to send Russian National Guardsmen to Belarus. Lukashenko had apparently lacked a clear strategy to deal with protests and was losing control over the situation as of August 18.”
http://www.iswresearch.org/2020/08/warning-kremlin-begins-security-forces.html
Putin warns Merkel via telephone not to interfere in Belarus
(BNE, 18. Aug.)
“Russia has legitimate ‘backyard’ national interests in Belarus that it wants to protect. Apart from the overriding desire to keep Belarus as a buffer state as NATO continues its eastward expansion up to Russia’s borders, Belarus is also a vital part of Russia’s energy network. Major gas and oil pipelines run via Belarus to connect Russia to customers in the rest of Europe, and it is home to two modern oil refineries that are used by all the Russian major oil producers to refine petroleum products which are also exported to the west.”
https://www.intellinews.com/putin-warns-merkel-not-to-interfere-in-belarus-189911/?source=russia
Here’s how Russia could invade Belarus, and also why it probably won’t
(Meduza)
“The Kremlin will weigh the risks of mass resistance: It’s one thing to invade a territory with a high degree of local support for Russia (like in Crimea six years ago), but it’s something else entirely to send the military into a country where they’d very clearly be unwelcome.”
—
“It’s also possible that the Kremlin risks a political backlash at home if it intervenes militarily in Belarus.”
https://meduza.io/en/cards/here-s-how-russia-could-invade-belarus-and-also-why-it-probably-won-t
“Few believe that Putin will choose a military option.” - BNE
“Belarusians seek justice for brutal beatings by riot police.” - The Guardian
“Almost 80 people missing in Belarus after bloody crackdown on protests.” - UNIAN
“Were Putin to Invade Belarus, Russia Would Become One Large Khabarovsk.” - Window on Eurasia
“Belarus president rejects calls to rerun disputed election amid growing protests.” - CBC
“Belarus on the brink: What now?” - BBC
“Huge protests that erupted after last week's disputed election show no sign of dying down.” - Deutsche Welle, 18. Aug.
“Workers Boo Belarus President During His Visit To A Tractor Plant.” - NPR
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