The President took notice of the today's statement by Prime Minister Mart Laar about his intention to resign from the Prime Minister's post at the Cabinet meeting on 8 January 2002. Pursuant to the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Estonia, the Head of State will, after Prime Minister's letter of resignation will be received by the Office of the President, begin consultations and negotiations with political forces to find a new candidate for Prime Minister.
The President of the Republic expects the new government coalition to be formed first of all considering not only the interests of Estonian state and people but also the crucial developments in the sphere of foreign policy having decisive importance for the accession of Estonia to the European Union and NATO.
Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, December 19, 2001
