Chaos on the Russian-Estonian border
The border crossing into Russia at Narva in Estonia is currently only open from 7 am to 7 pm and only for pedestrians. This has resulted in long outdoor queues, which locals are exploiting by selling waiting places – inevitably provoking skirmishes. The national press debates what should be done.
Closure would restore order
The border with Russia must be sealed completely, demands Postimees:
“The border with Russia is neither completely closed nor completely open. People from other countries like Finland know that you can get to Russia via Estonia, and therefore come to the border crossing here. ... The semi-open border crossing in Narva has given rise to a certain anarchy over which the Estonian authorities have no control. Self-appointed organisers have taken over the area around the border crossing and have set up a black market for places in the queue. ... The most sensible solution would be to put an end to this and completely close the border with Russia, as the Finns have done.”
Stop the humiliation
Delfi criticises the authorities:
“Estonia has allowed a bubble to form on its territory in which the most basic humanitarian principles are being flouted. ... The shoving and jostling of people in Narva also provides excellent ammunition for Kremlin propagandists. ... It's a miracle they haven't exploited it more in the past. Estonia must not allow this situation to continue. If the border must remain open – which may be understandable on humanitarian grounds – then measures must be taken to ensure that people are not humiliated when crossing it, at least not while they are in Estonian territory.”