|
Server : Apache/2.4.62 System : FreeBSD fbsdweb2.web.rcn.net 14.1-RELEASE FreeBSD 14.1-RELEASE releng/14.1-n267679-10e31f0946d8 GENERIC amd64 User : www ( 80) PHP Version : 8.3.8 Disable Function : NONE Directory : /domains/roger.dnai/96Book/ |
Upload File : |
<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//SoftQuad//DTD HoTMetaL PRO 4.0::19971010::extensions to HTML 4.0//EN"
"hmpro4.dtd">
<HTML>
<HEAD>
<META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1">
<META NAME="GENERATOR"
CONTENT="Mozilla/4.04 (Macintosh; U; 68K) [Netscape]">
<TITLE>Estonia Prime Minister Tiit Vähi...Baltic Security Challenges:
An Estonian View</TITLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY>
<CENTER><FONT SIZE="+4"></FONT><FONT SIZE="+4">Baltic Security
Challenges: An Estonian View</FONT></CENTER>
<CENTER><FONT SIZE="+3">Prime Minister of Estonia Tiit Vähi</FONT></CENTER>
<P>Coming just two weeks after the meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers, one
week after the meeting of NATO Defense Ministers, and five days after the
first round of the Russian Presidential elections, our Workshop
discussions were both timely and necessary. They were also an opportunity
for NATO member-states to once again witness not only the desire but the
ability of applicant states to contribute to NATO structures and debates.
Last year in my address to the Twelfth Workshop, I touched upon two
themes. The first was that the post-Cold War world is not static, but a
highly dynamic place. The second was that things not only change, but they
change fast. The events of the last year have proven this to be true.
Therefore, I would like to include these same two themes--the dynamics of
our time and the pace of change--in a discussion of Baltic security. </P>
<CENTER><B><FONT SIZE="+1">NEW DYNAMICS IN THE BALTIC SEA REGION</FONT></B></CENTER>
<P>Our view of security in the Baltic region has changed dramatically
during the last five years, as has our view of European security. The
collapse of Soviet domination turned enemies into partners. The withdrawal
of foreign troops from Baltic Sea states removed a potential security
threat. The continuing development of democratic structures and free
markets is reuniting areas of the Baltic Sea region with Europe. These
changes, in addition to the new dynamics of the Baltic Sea region, are
redefining our approach to security in Northern Europe. For example, NATO
and its member-states are now actively engaged in promoting stability in
the Baltic Sea region through cooperation and dialogue with newly restored
democratic states. In addition, traditionally neutral states such as
Sweden and Finland are increasing their ties with NATO through Partnership
for Peace, although they have stated their desire to remain outside of
military alliances. The Baltic States and Poland seek NATO membership and
the security this alliance provides. Our security concerns, which some
refer to as a dilemma, stem from our recent as well as our distant past, a
past plagued by numerous invasions, occupations, and back-room deals. Our
current concerns have increased because of statements that seek to include
the Baltics in outdated "sphere of influence" concepts, despite
our desire to belong to a multilateral, democratic framework. Another
aspect of Baltic security is Russia. Russia is, and will remain, a major
player in regional and international affairs. The extent of Russia's
cooperation with the West, as well as its commitment to democratic reforms
and its respect for the sovereignty of neighboring states, will determine
our security concerns and policies. Estonia welcomes the peaceful means by
which the recent Russian Presidential elections were held, and hopes that
Russia will continue to move forward, not backward. The blossoming
regional economic activity of the Baltic Sea area is another important
dynamic of regional security. The mutual contacts, economic links, and
wealth created by trade are certain to aid regional stability and increase
the importance of maintaining it. With these dynamics in mind, let me now
discuss the basic premise of Estonia's approach to Baltic security, and
how the rapid pace of change, especially in NATO structures, can lead to
stability and prosperity for all countries bordering the Baltic Sea. </P>
<CENTER><B><FONT SIZE="+1">REGIONAL COOPERATION AND WESTERN INTEGRATION</FONT></B></CENTER>
<P>Estonia believes that a truly secure Baltic region has yet to be
established and that the potential risks of the area have yet to be
eliminated. The Baltic States and Poland remain outside two of the most
important European institutions. Democracy in Russia is struggling to take
hold, and, as the Presidential elections show, the outcome remains
uncertain. Although there are no immediate threats to Baltic security,
problems may arise in the long term if our security concerns remain
unaddressed. Estonia and other regional states seek to address these
concerns through European integration, as well as through NATO membership.
We also seek to contribute to regional security and stability through
strengthened regional cooperation and economic growth. Regional
cooperation with our Baltic Sea neighbors, especially Finland, Denmark,
Germany, Norway, and Sweden, and the assistance these states have provided
in supporting defense initiatives and NATO integration, have been
excellent. So too is our cooperation with Latvia and Lithuania. Forces
from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania continue to train together and will
soon create the first-ever Baltic Peacekeeping Battalion. We are, and will
remain, committed to regional cooperation in defense issues. While
welcoming our regional defense ties, I must stress, however, that they are
not enough. Addressing issues in a regional context is not a cure-all for
security concerns. Regional emphasis is useful under some conditions, but
regionalization in the Baltic region or anywhere else can lead to neglect
of security issues that potentially affect the whole of Europe. I do not
exaggerate when I state that Estonia's security is dependent upon the
willingness and ability of the West to integrate us into its structures.
For Estonia, as well as for Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, NATO is a
viable and proven option for securing our newly regained independence.
However, I am aware that Western integration is neither as simple as some
would wish nor likely to happen as quickly as some would desire. </P>
<P>In managing an ever changing and uncertain world, NATO has adapted
remarkably to the challenges before it, especially in regard to Central
Europe. The decision to enlarge NATO is necessary, for the organization,
for European security, and for Baltic security alike. The Partnership for
Peace program is an important instrument for those states preparing for
NATO membership. For some PFP members, the process has brought them within
their goal of being ready and able to join NATO. For those who continue
this process, PFP should remain a classroom of active learning and
preparation, but with an enhanced curriculum for striving applicants. For
neighboring states of Estonia with no present ambitions to join NATO, such
as Russia, Finland, and Sweden, PFP should remain a mechanism for defense
cooperation and dialogue. Estonia's experience with PFP has been positive.
Through PFP, our forces receive training to meet future security
challenges, hold exercises with other PFP member-states, and gain the
skills required for international operations with NATO forces. The growth
of our forces under the guidance of NATO states and the transparency of
this process through PFP create an atmosphere free of suspicion. The next
phase of NATO enlargement--the "who" and the "when"--will
soon be discussed. It is of vital importance to the Baltic region and
especially to the Baltic States that the security concerns of the northern
European region be addressed during this debate. While welcoming the
accession of new members, we also hope that NATO will have a strategy to
strengthen the security level of non-named states. Estonia believes that
the often-stated principle that the strengthening of one state's security
cannot be at the expense of others must be upheld. Not being chosen for
immediate membership must not be viewed as a rejection by NATO. On the
contrary, it should be followed by greater measures to aid integration.
Plans to increase dialogue, as well as deepen and broaden cooperation
beyond the present PFP framework, would help enormously to continue the
integration process and extend a protective hand to applicant states. </P>
<P>The evolution of NATO's structure will bring benefits to the Baltic Sea
region. The implementation of IFOR under NATO has been one of this year's
greatest security successes. Estonia, as well as other Baltic Sea states,
is actively participating in this program--the first opportunity for
non-members to be involved in a NATO operation, to be under NATO command
structures, and to serve alongside NATO troops. As we participate, we are
learning as much about NATO as NATO is learning about us. Of special
importance to future Baltic security is the close cooperation between our
regional forces in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Estonia's platoon, for example, is
stationed within Denmark's battalion, which is serving under the
Nordic-Polish brigade. Russian participation in the area is a positive
step as well, and illustrates that NATO enlargement is not aimed against
them, but aimed against threats to stability and democracy throughout
Europe. Another beneficial change in NATO's structure, resulting from the
success of IFOR, is the development of a permanent Combined Joint Task
Force to handle similar operations in the future. Estonia welcomes this
development and hopes that preparation programs for non-member states will
be increased, so that when the task force is activated, we all will be
prepared. In addition to handling IFOR-type operations, the task force
will also serve as a vital means of expanding NATO's multilateral security
involvement in Europe. </P>
<CENTER><B><FONT SIZE="+1">CONCLUDING REMARKS</FONT></B></CENTER>
<P>Baltic security rests on two points: the integration of the region into
European security structures, such as NATO, and the democratic development
of Russia. While we cannot directly influence the development of Russia,
we can influence and advance the process of integration. NATO's decision
to enlarge is vital for our future security, but it will also benefit
European security as a whole. To date, the effectiveness and credibility
of NATO have not been compromised by its changes; on the contrary, its
changes have strengthened it. Our challenge now is to address the
continuing dynamic issues through similarly dynamic responses. Judging by
the events of the last year, I believe that NATO has the foresight, the
will, and the means to do so. </P>
<P><A HREF="Vahi.htm">Go to top of page</A> <BR><A HREF="Workshop96.htm">Return to Warsaw '96</A> <BR><A HREF="../index.html">Return to Home Page</A> </P>
</BODY>
</HTML>