At today’s extraordinary sitting of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu, Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna gave an overview of the upcoming extraordinary video meeting of the European Union foreign ministers, where the situation in the Middle East will be discussed.

ON 28 January, the Riigikogu passed the Statement in support of the people of Iran.

Link uudisele: Foreign Affairs Committee: Estonia and the European Union must support a joint operation by the United States and Israel in Iran

During the visit, the international delegation will meet with Vice President of Taiwan Hsiao Bi-khim, Vice President of the Legislative Yuan (Parliament) Johnny C. Chiang, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-Lung and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs François Wu, Vice Minister for Policy at the Ministry of National Defence Hsu Szu-Chien, and Secretary General of the National Security Council Joseph Wu. The European parliamentarians will also have meetings with representatives of political parties, think tanks, and non-governmental organizations in Taipei. They will also visit Kinmen Islands.

The visiting delegation includes members of parliament from Estonia, Finland, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Sweden and Ukraine, who belong to United4Ukraine, a global parliamentary network created to support Ukraine.

Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
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Link uudisele: Mihkelson participates in joint visit to Taiwan by parliamentarians from seven countries

The explanatory memorandum describes how the protests started on 28 December last year after the exchange rate of the Iranian rial plummeted compared to the US dollar, which has exacerbated the inflation crisis and seriously harmed the livelihood of the population. The protests started with a strike of the merchants on the Tehran Grand Bazaar and spread to other Iranian provinces. The initial economic demands have expanded into a broader opposition to the authoritarian governing style of the theocratic regime in Iran.

“The Iranian authorities have responded to the protests with extreme repressions. Independent sources report that thousands have been killed during the crackdown, and thousands have been arbitrarily arrested. The regime is systematically using intimidation and violence, including threatening the protesters with death penalty, which is a gross violation of the standards of international human rights and the international commitments of Iran,” the explanatory memorandum says.

The explanatory memorandum also cited extensive restrictions on the freedom of speech and freedom of information. Independent supervisory organisations have reported blocked internet connections and other means of digital censorship that form an obstacle to the public right to communicate and receive reliable information at a critical moment.

“Iran’s domestic repressions and aggressive foreign policy are inextricably linked. Iran has become part of the axis of authoritarian regimes and is an active supporter of the war of aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, including by providing military aid and cooperation, thus jeopardising international security and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter,” reads the explanatory memorandum.

In its Statement today, the Riigikogu condemns unequivocally the systematic and extensive violations of human rights by the Iranian authorities and emphasises that lasting peace and stability cannot be achieved without respecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Iranian people.

The Riigikogu advocates for an increased political and diplomatic pressure on the Iranian regime, including through targeted sanctions against the leaders of the regime, its security authorities, and people responsible for violations of human rights. The parliament also calls for support for the civil society, independent media, and internet freedom, as well as human rights in Iran, and for independent investigation mechanisms that document the mass crimes committed by the Iranian authorities.

In addition, the Riigikogu defines the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation and urges the European Union, its Member States, and other democracies across the world to do the same, considering its role in supporting terrorism, breaches of international law, and repressions and mass violation of the human rights of the Iranian people. The Riigikogu also calls on all countries of the free world to not keep silent about the massive and systematic violation of human rights, and to stand firm in support of the right of the Iranian people to live in free, safe, and dignified society.

68 members of the Riigikogu submitted the draft Statement of the Riigikogu in Support of the People of Iran (802 AE) for parliamentary proceedings last Wednesday.

Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: The Riigikogu expresses support to the people of Iran and condemns extensive human rights violations

Mihkelson will replace Head of the Lithuanian delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Audronius Azubalis as Co-Chair of the Ukraine-NATO Interparliamentary Council (UNIC). First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniyenko will continue as the Ukrainian Co-Chair of the Council.

Mihkelson and Korniyenko also made a joint statement at today’s meeting of the Council where they strongly condemned Russia’s brutal and systematic air strikes, which are aimed at causing as much suffering as possible to civilians, especially during the winter months, and called on the Allies to take decisive action, including accelerating the provision of military aid.

They also expressed support for efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace that would ensure Ukraine’s independent and sovereign future and noted that the best path to peace was to support Ukraine’s defence capabilities. They also expressed support for the use of Russia’s frozen assets to support Ukraine’s reconstruction, recovery, and defence.

The meeting of the Council was held at NATO Headquarters, and it was attended by President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Marcos Perestrello de Vasconcellos, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who also answered questions from delegates. Several Ambassadors from NATO member states, including Estonia’s Permanent Representative to NATO Jüri Luik, and military representatives from various countries participated in the discussions.

The UNIC is a council composed of members of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada, which focuses on parliamentary cooperation between NATO and Ukraine. The Council also plays an important role in shaping the positions of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly regarding support for Ukraine in the war of aggression initiated by Russia and Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration.

Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
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karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: Mihkelson became co-chair of Ukraine-NATO Interparliamentary Council

He also underlined that on the path to EU accession, it was important to meet all the criteria very precisely, implement all the necessary reforms, and adhere to the principles and values agreed upon in the EU. “Over the past year or two, the EU has shown a clear willingness to focus on cooperation and make the Union stronger so that we would speak with one voice in the world. In order to implement Common Foreign and Security Policy, we need unity among the member states,” he said, highlighting Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine as the most important issue for Europe.

Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Marko Mihkelson said during the meeting with the Serbian Speaker that, considering the dramatic changes taking place on the global arena, Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and the war against Western allies more broadly, Estonia’s first task as a small country in a geostrategically sensitive region was to work to keep the unity of NATO and the EU.

“Estonia has consistently taken the position that candidate countries must uphold and recognise the principles of the EU’s foreign and security policy. This is even more important today than it was in the past,” Mihkelson said. He believes that right now the EU must be united and strong, and know exactly what it stands for and what it protects. “The issue of Serbia’s relations with Russia is crucial in determining whether we share the same views,” he added.

Mihkelson also acknowledged the desire of Serbia’s former long-time Prime Minister and current Speaker of the Parliament to cooperate more with Estonia and other Baltic States and to explain her views in more detail, stating that better mutual understanding was highly necessary.

During the visit, which lasts from Wednesday to Friday, the President of the National Assembly of Serbia also met with President Alar Karis in Tallinn. She will also visit the e-Estonia Briefing Centre, the Estonian e-Governance Academy, and software technology company Nortal.

Photos (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: Hussar and Mihkelson discussed EU enlargement with the Speaker of Serbian parliament

“The Iranian authorities have responded to the protests with extreme repressions. Independent sources report that thousands have been killed during the crackdown and thousands have been arbitrarily arrested. The regime is systematically using intimidation and violence, including threatening the protesters with death penalty, which is a gross violation of the standards of international human rights and the international commitments of Iran,” the explanatory memorandum says.

The submitters of the draft also point out extensive restrictions to the freedom of speech and freedom of information. Independent supervisory organisations have reported blocked internet connections and other means of digital censorship that form an obstacle to the public right to communicate and receive reliable information at a critical moment.

“Iran’s domestic repressions and aggressive foreign policy are inextricably linked. Iran has become part of the axis of authoritarian regimes and is an active supporter of the war of aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, including by providing military aid and cooperation, thus jeopardising international security and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter,” reads the explanatory memorandum.

The Statement says that the Riigikogu condemns unequivocally the systematic and extensive violations of human rights by the Iranian authorities and emphasises that lasting peace and stability cannot be achieved without respecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Iranian people.

The Riigikogu advocates for an increased political and diplomatic pressure on the Iranian regime, including through targeted sanctions against the leaders of the regime, its security authorities, and people responsible for violations of human rights. The parliament calls for support for the civil society, independent media, and internet freedom, as well as human rights in Iran, and for independent investigation mechanisms that document the mass crimes committed by the Iranian authorities.

In addition, the Riigikogu defines the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation and urges the European Union, its Member States, and other democracies across the world to do the same, considering its role in supporting terrorism, breaches of international law, and repressions and mass violation of the human rights of the Iranian people. It also calls on all countries of the free world to not keep silent about the massive and systematic violation of human rights, and to stand firm in support of the right of the Iranian people to live in free, safe, and dignified society.

The Foreign Affairs Committee will discuss submitting the draft Statement to the plenary assembly for debate and voting on Thursday.

Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: Members of the Riigikogu submitted a draft Statement in support of the people of Iran

“Our goal has always been, and remains, a just and lasting peace that is grounded in international law and fully respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty. Such a peace cannot be achieved by yielding to or rewarding the aggressor,” the Chairmen say in their Joint Statement.

They see an imperative need for sustained pressure on Russia and unwavering support for Ukraine for any solution to succeed. “Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine, and nothing about Europe without Europe. A just and lasting peace is impossible without these fundamentals. We call for urgent meetings of European leaders and the European Council to take a united, principled stand,” the statement urges.

The Chairmen see no possibility for genuine negotiations to begin if Ukraine is asked to pre-emptively accept Russian demands. “The era of empires is over, and Europe will never accept as legitimate any notion of Russian “security interests” that extend beyond its borders or presume the right to shape Europe’s security order. Any agreement must focus on ending the war, securing Ukraine’s future, and supporting its reconstruction,” they say.

They stress the need for Ukraine’s security guarantees to be real – based on legally binding commitments and reinforced by reassurance forces in Ukraine and the capabilities necessary to deter future aggression. “Ukraine must not be subjected to limits on its armed forces or constraints on its foreign or domestic policies while Russia faces none. At a minimum, Russia must withdraw its troops from occupied territories and engage with international bodies to ensure accountability for those responsible for atrocities,” they say.

The Chairmen emphasise that any negotiations must begin with an immediate ceasefire. “European security, Ukraine’s sovereignty – including its right to choose its own alliances – and justice for the crimes committed during this war are non-negotiable red lines,” they stress and add that Europe must stand united, principled, and unflinching. “Our values, our security, and the future of our continent depend on ensuring that any peace achieved is worthy of the sacrifices made and of Ukraine’s bravery and resilience – a peace rooted in justice, law, and lasting security.”

While the Joint Statement was initially signed by the Chairmen of Foreign Affairs Committees of Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, and United Kingdom, as well as the European Parliament, they were later joined by the leaders of the Foreign Affairs Committees of Austria, Greece, and Slovenia. The Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Marko Mihkelson signed it on behalf of Estonia.

Full text of the Joint Statement in Estonian and English

Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: Chairmen of Foreign Affairs Committees of Europe: fair and lasting peace cannot be achieved by yielding to the aggressor

The Chairs of Foreign Affairs Committees will also meet with Secretary General of the Nordic Investment Bank Heikki Cantell to discuss reconstruction of Ukraine. China’s role in contemporary geopolitics, including China-Taiwan relations, will be addressed with the representatives of the Finnish Institute of International Affairs. In addition, the Chairs of Foreign Affairs Committees will visit the Finnish Border Guard’s patrol vessel Turva and meet with the leaders of Border Guard, with whom they will speak about strengthening maritime security and border defence.

The meeting, which is held in NB8 format, brings together the Chairs of the Foreign Affairs Committees of the Parliaments of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: Mihkelson attends meeting of Nordic and Baltic Chairs of Foreign Affairs Committees in Finland

In addition to cooperation between Estonia and Israel, Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East were discussed. The meeting of the Israeli Foreign Minister with members of the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Estonia-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group also focused on those topics.

Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson pointed out that there was a strong consensus in the Riigikogu on foreign and security policy, including Estonian-Israeli relations, as demonstrated by statements made by the plenary assembly, the Foreign Affairs Committee, and the Parliamentary Friendship Group.

According to Mihkelson, both countries are currently facing existential threats, and therefore security cooperation is of particular importance. He said that Russia’s continuing war of aggression in Ukraine was directly linked to the security situation elsewhere in the world, including the Middle East. “The growth of instability in one corner of the world directly affects the situation here, and vice versa. This is why it is necessary for us, as democratic countries, to work closely together,” he added.

Mihkelson also emphasised that the opening of the Embassy of Israel was a historic moment in bilateral relations. “For a small country like Estonia, it is important that our friends, allies, and partners are represented here,” Mihkelson said.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel also had meetings with Prime Minister Kristen Michal, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia Margus Tsahkna and Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur today, and opened the Embassy of Israel in Tallinn.

Photos (Erik Peinar / Chancellery of the Riigikogu)

Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: Hussar: Opening Embassy in Tallinn gives new impetus to cooperation between Estonia and Israel

Mihkelson underlined that the meetings had provided an opportunity to present Estonia’s positions and discuss security issues important to Estonia more broadly. “Australia’s main security focus is on the Pacific Ocean and the balancing of relations with China. We highlighted during the meetings that in order to restore peace in Europe and maintain stability in the Indian and Pacific regions, it is necessary to help Ukraine defeat its aggressor,” he said, and added that Australia was a country with a very similar mentality to Estonia and the majority of its population supported providing greater military assistance to Ukraine.

The delegation of the Foreign Affairs Committee, which consisted of the Chairman Marko Mihkelson, and members of the Committee Henn Põlluaas and Juku-Kalle Raid, had meetings with the representatives of the Parliament, the Government and the think tanks. In the capital Canberra, they met with the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee of the Parliament of Australia, Chair of the Australia-Estonia Parliamentary Friendship Group and several deputies, as well as with the representatives of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and with Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart. Mihkelson also had a separate meeting with Andrew Shearer, Director General of the Office of National Intelligence.

The representatives of the Riigikogu participated in several roundtable discussions, including debates at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute and the Centre for European Studies of the Australian National University. The Chairman of the Committee spoke at the security conference organised by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and gave a guest lecture at the Australian Institute of International Affairs. The delegation of the Foreign Affairs Committee also met with members of the Ukrainian community of New South Wales, and visited the Estonian House in Sydney, where they met with local Estonians.

Before travelling to Australia, the delegation of the Foreign Affairs Committee visited New Zealand. Delegations of the committees of the Riigikogu have not visited these countries before. The visit of the Foreign Affairs Committee took place from 21 October to 3 November.

For more information and comments, please contact:
Marko Mihkelson, +372 514 1442

Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: The Foreign Affairs Committee in Australia: Democratic forces must stick together