Estonian PM: Role of Tartu Peace Treaty is priceless

TALLINN – The role of the Tartu Peace Treaty signed 98 years ago in the history of Estonia's statehood is priceless, Prime Minister Juri Ratas said at the Victory Column in Polva on Friday.

Only thanks to the contribution of our courageous ancestors we can celebrate the 98th anniversary of signing the Tartu Peace Treaty and soon also Estonia's centenary, Ratas was quoted by spokespeople as saying.

According to Ratas, Estonia's centenary celebrations will last until Feb. 2, 2020, the 100th anniversary of the Tartu Peace Treaty.

According to the head of government, all courageous soldiers who fought for an independent Estonia in the War of Independence have to be honored, as well as the people who supported them.

"The heroic deeds of Estonian men and women will stay with us forever," Ratas said, adding that Estonians will have to thank them for their sacrifices.

The Tartu Peace Treaty that ended the war between Estonia and Soviet Russia was signed in Tartu on Feb. 2, 1920. In the treaty Russia recognized Estonia's independence. The treaty also established the border between the two countries.

The treaty was signed on behalf of Estonia by Jaan Poska, Ants Piip, Mait Puuman, Julius Seljamaa and General Staff member Maj. Gen. Jaan Soots. Russian signatories were Adolf Joffe and Isidor Gukovsky.