Rõivas: My government will not raise Soviet reparations question, as it is a dead end
Prime Minister settled the feud between the justice and foreign ministers, saying a government led by him will not demand damages from Russia for the 50-year occupation by the Soviet Union. He said such demands would be hopeless and it is better to look at the future.
“Estonia regained its independence 24 years ago. During that time we have joined the European Union and NATO, Estonia has been a successful nation in every aspect. Instead of fruitless past demands we should look confidently toward the future and make sure our independence lasts,” he told Delfi.
Foreign Minister Marina Kaljurand told Russian media a few days ago that Estonia has no plans to demand reparations for the over 50-year occupation by the Soviet Union. Russia is the legal successor to the Soviet Union. She also said there will be no practical steps after Justice Minister Urmas Reinsalu signed a memorandum with the other two Baltic justice ministers on cooperation to submit reparation demands to Russia.
Reinsalu said Estonian institutions have confirmed Estonia's right to claim damages both in the form of an apology and compensation.
Editor: J.M. Laats