President Rüütel thanked Emil for the beautiful Christmas present and asked if he had practised his hand at drawing in some art circle. Emil`s father Olle Mikk confirmed that Emil was a great drawer. The President liked the work of the little artist very much and on his part presented Emil his photograph with a dedication. Emil became from the President a teddy bear too, to be humming to the kid a lullaby in the evenings. Lastly, the President wished everyone a delightful Christmas time.
The event of handing over the present was also attended by Ms Maret Maripuu, a member of the Riigikogu and the chairwoman of the Commission for Child Protection of the City Council of Tallinn, who has been elected the Friend of Children of the year, Mr Erki Korp, manager of the Children`s Shelter of Tallinn, and Mr Jaanus Martinov, adviser to the City Council of Tallinn for educational and social affairs.
Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, December 12, 2001
