NATO Secretary-General Arrives In Estonia

NATO Secretary-General George Robertson arrived in Estonia on a one-day visit on Thursday. The NATO Secretary-General will discuss with Estonian leaders further development in Estonia-NATO relations, Tallinn's preparations for entering NATO and the implementation of the third national program for NATO membership for 2001-2002, the Estonian Foreign Ministry said. George Robertson will hold talks with President Arnold Ruitel, Prime Minister Mart Laar and other Estonian top officials. The Alliance's priority is the consolidation of relations with Russia, George Robertson said before his visit to Estonia. He expressed concern for the loss of interest by the Estonians in possible NATO membership. Although more than 50 per cent of Estonians support this plan it may seem that this support has weakened within the last year, Robertson said. Estonian leaders hope that a political decision on Tallinn's joining the Alliance may be taken at the NATO summit in Prague in autumn 2002.