Eesti in brief - 2010-03-31

Procurement for the short-range anti-aircraft system Mistral, a process which has carried on for three years, was completed last week allowing the anti-aircraft battalion to start training, reports Postimees Online. The procurement contract that was concluded in 2007 with MBDA France and Swedish SAAB is the largest ever weapons procurement contract for Estonia, with a total cost of nearly one billion kroons (64.1 million euros). “The fully delivered anti-aircraft system means the start of a new era for the anti-aircraft staff, since it enables [us] to fulfill the tasks of the battalion in full,” said the battalion’s chief, Mati Tikerpuu. The short-range anti-aircraft system consists of Giraffe AMB radar, command points, communications equipment, anti-aircraft missile devices and Mistral missiles and training equipment.

A poll carried out by Turu- uuringute on the work of the government revealed that all ministers in the government received a more positive than negative evaluation from the people, reports LETA. Prime Minister Andrus Ansip was revealed as the minister most people are familiar with, as 839 out of 1,001 respondents mentioned him, while the minister of regional affairs, Siim-Valmar Kiisler, is the least-known minister, whom just 11 people mentioned. Turu-uuringute research manager Karin Reivart said that people believe that ministers have generally coped well with their responsibilities. Culture Minister Laine Janes has done the best in her job, as 67 percent have this opinion, while 10 percent think otherwise. Foreign Minister Urmas Paet was second-best (60 percent approval, 5 percent disapproval), Defense Minister Jaak Aaviksoo (59 percent and 11 percent) was third-best. Prime Minister Andrus Ansip received a 35 percent approval/ 35 percent against rating, and Justice Minister Rein Lang received 31 percent approval/ 28 percent disapproval.

Tallinn Mayor Edgar Savisaar and other city officials departed for China on March 28 to conclude a joint intentions protocol for carrying out the Tallinn tram project, reports Aripaev.ee. One of the aims of the visit is to conclude a joint intentions project with the Chinese company China National Corporation for Overseas Economic Corporation. Meetings are planned with China Development Bank representatives and Beijing’s culture sector leaders. The city government last week approved a draft protocol of intentions to be concluded between the city of Tallinn, Tallinn Tram and Trolleybus Company, CCOEC Genertec and OU Railcar. Savisaar stressed that developing electricity-powered transport as an energy saving and environment-friendly form of transport guarantees sustainability of Tallinn’s public transport system.