At the meeting the President of the Republic underlined the essential role of the Defence League in our defence capability and as the shaper of defence willingness of our people. The Head of State added that the tasks of the Defence League to cultivate patriotic values among the youth and promote national unity are of utmost importance. The Defence League has proved its value in managing the consequences of natural disasters in Estonia and therefore in the future it is necessary to enhance the cooperation with the Rescue Board and the Police, President Rüütel stressed.
At the end of the meeting the President of the Republic signed the resolution to appoint Major Raivo Lumiste the Chief of Estonian Defence League as of September 6, 2006.
Major Lumiste has served as a senior staff officer during Operation Iraqi Freedom; in 2005 he graduated from a senior staff officer course in the United States of America and is currently studying economics at Tartu University.
Public Relations Department of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, September 5, 2006
