As President Meri said, in his opinion OSCE has not been sufficiently active as concerns the Chechnya conflict. Both Presidents agreed that arms could not be the final solution to the problem.
On the meeting, also Estonia's accession to the European Union was discussed. The Finnish President agreed to the statement that a strong system of civil servants is necessary so that the passed laws could also be implemented. On the other hand, Ahtisaari said that proceeding from the Finnish experience, accession to the EU gives the state a good motive and impetus for carrying through the necessary reforms.
Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, November 5, 1999
