Gallery: Signing of Tartu Peace Treaty 98 years ago commemorated in Põlva
Speaking at a ceremony in Põlva commemorating the signing of the Tartu Peace Treaty on Feb. 2, 1920, Prime Minister Jüri Ratas (Center) said that only thanks to the efforts of their courageous forebears can Estonians celebrate the 98th anniversary of the treaty as well as the upcoming centennial of the Republic of Estonia.
Estonia's official centennial program is scheduled to conclude on Feb. 2, 2020, which will mark the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Tartu Peace Treaty, Ratas highlighted. "The role of this historical treaty in the story of our statehood is priceless," he said.
According to the prime minister, the brave soldiers who stood for Estonia in the War of Independence, as well as everyone else who supported them, are to be honored.
"The heroism of Estonia's men and women will remain with us forever," said Ratas. "Naturally we will hold a dignified commemoration ceremony in honor of the fallen, and thank them for the ultimate sacrifice that one can make for their homeland."
On Feb. 2, 1920, representatives of the Republic of Estonia and the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic signed the Treaty of Tartu.
The treaty, which went into effect on March 30, ended the Estonian War of Independence, finalized the country’s eastern border and recorded Russia's unreserved recognition of Estonia's independence and renouncement in perpetuity of all rights to Estonian territory.
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Read more about the history of the treaty here.
Editor: Aili Vahtla
