Eesti in brief - 2008-05-28

  • 2008-05-28
The government adopted a new cyber strategy from 2008-2013, based on the principle that everyone is responsible for their own security. The cyber security strategy considers international cooperation on fighting cyber threats to be vital. This is particularly the case if the cyber threats come from developing countries which do not belong to EU or NATO. Heli Tiirmaa-Klaar from the Defense Ministry said on May 27 said that strategies or programs, similar to the cyber security strategy adopted in Estonia, have also been worked out in several other countries.

Social Affairs Minister Maret Maripuu said Estonia is faced with challenges dealing with the salary difference between men end women. She said it's not easy for a young mother to go to work after taking care of children and so a woman accepts lower pay. That issue was also raised at a gathering in Saaremaa, where Nordic and Baltic ministers, who are dealing with gender issues, met. The meeting will work on how it would be possible to unite working and family life so that everyone would benefit. Ministers will also discuss how to fight against violence directed at women and human trafficking.

Karma Chophel, chairman of the Tibetan parliament in exile asked for Estonia's help while meeting with Silver Meikar, member of the Estonian Parliament. Meikar said the meeting was focused on the situation in Tibet after the March uprising and the opportunities of assisting Tibetans. Chophel said he hopes for understanding and bigger support from Estonia. He also wants EU to take a stronger stance in talks with China and said that Tibet has been turned into a prison from which there is no way for residents to leave. He said international organizations are not acquainted with the real situation. The Tibetan Parliament in exile has been meeting in Dharamsala, home of the Dalai Lama, since 1959.

A foundation regarding the study of crimes of communism was launched in Estonia by former Estonian Premier Mart Laar. It will study and spread information about the crimes on the international level.  The foundation's mission is the unconditional condemnation of Communism as a criminal ideology equal with Nazism. The Foundation's main tool, the Web site www.communistcrimes.org covers more than 50 countries and regions that have suffered under communism.  The site will be in English, Estonian, Russian, and other languages.  The portal will publish memoirs of repressed persons, audio and video recordings. The other sponsors of the foundation are Count Damian von Stauffenberg, and Meelis Niinepuu.

The latest polls show increased supports for conservative Parties. Pro Patria and Res Publica Union show the biggest swing towards them  with 4 percent both. The Reform party is still the most popular party -- one third of responders would vote for them.  The Social Democrats were supported by 11 percent of people.  The Greens and People Union lost popularity.  Whereas the previous poll gave them 7 percent and the second had 3  percent support.  Emory a survey company questioned 774 people from all over Estonia, and the company leaves those out from the results for people who do not have any political preference.