The Head of State in his address to the representatives of the Balkan Countries touched upon the history of Estonian border. ''The borders, in addition to the sovereignty of countries, are marking the zones in which it is not only possible but also compulsory to stop the organized crime, terrorism, smuggling, drug trafficking and body trade,'' President Rüütel said. ''The co-operation between border guard and customs authorities of different countries is the very confirmation of our common goals,'' the President of the Republic added.
Those present took interest in Arnold Rüütel's, having acted also during the restoration of Estonia's independence as Estonian Head of State, personal position on the creation of the Estonian Border Guard.
The meeting was attended also by Andrus Öövel, head of a working group of the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces, and Aare Evisalu, Acting Director General of the Estonian Border Guard.
Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, August 18, 2002
