Thereafter at 3.00 PM, President Meri received the Commander of the Regular Armed Forces Lieutenant General Johannes Kert. The President said that the crime had caused serious damage to the reputation of Estonia and the armed forces of Estonia.
Lieutenant General Johannes Kert handed in his resignation.
After serious consideration, the President decided not to accept the resignation of Lieutenant General Johannes Kert. I appreciate the reaction of the commander of the regular armed forces, which shows that he understands the seriousness of the crime, and I give him one more chance. I hope that General Kert will use it, said the President.
Minister of Defence Jüri Luik commented upon the decision of the President before the cabinet session of the government: The activity of the commander in chief of national defence was justified and I support it.
Press Service of theOffice of the President
Kadriorg, May 18, 1999
