The statement runs as follows:
"14 June is one of the most tragic dates in Estonia's history. Today, we commemorate the victims of all deportations and crimes against humanity.
The life of thousands of Estonians changed or was extinguished forever due to the terrorist acts perpetrated in our country. There were lots of those who had to spend the best years of their life in hard slavery and many of those who even did not get the chance to rest in their beloved native soil.
Pain and injustice will never fall into oblivion. Systematic mass extermination of innocent people, no matter who carried it out, cannot and must not be forgotten. Although it is not possible to change what has happened, we must remember it in order to be able to look into the future more peacefully and more securely.
We are confident that today's Europe is a safe place for all peoples and ready to resolutely resist any kind of injustice. We also believe that Europe will never tolerate totalitarianism or genocide against any people."
The statement has been signed by Arnold Rüütel, Ene Ergma and Juhan Parts.
Public Relations Unit of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, June 14, 2004
