Estonian pragmatism with regard to Russia

Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves has announced that he will not demand an official apology for Russia's occupation of Estonia or raise other controversial issues at his next meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Estonian newspaper points out that this illustrates Ilves' pragmatic approach but points out that Russia has yet to make its contribution to good relations. "Ilves has obviously decided to show his good will and keep practical issues like the bridge at the Narva border crossing, energy supplies and cooperation in the Baltic Sea region at the top of the agenda. This is a commendable approach, but what about the facts? Before 1995 many thought it would be enough to renounce our territorial claims to Russian territory, but eleven years later we still have no border agreement with Russia."

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