According to President Arnold Rüütel, our possible invitation to NATO should not be regarded as the achievement of our final goal, but rather as the continuation of an ongoing process at a new level. The President underlined the need to inform the public more efficiently of the efforts aimed both at NATO and the European Union. President Rüütel added that the work done over the last years for the development of our defence and security capacity, and the clear support of people to the accession to NATO, are weighty arguments making the Estonians feel optimistic about the Prague summit.
The Heads of State also discussed implementing the European Union's common agricultural policy in applicant countries. Pronouncing the need for systematic approach, the other Presidents agreed on President Rüütel's view, that in allocation of production quota a longer period instead of 1997-1999 ought to be taken as the base period.
President Rüütel will return to Tallinn tonight.
Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, March 22, 2002
