Bronze Soldier was removed

The statue of a Red Army soldier (the Bronze Soldier) removed from Tõnismäe was, by afternoon today(26.april), relocated to the cemetery of the Defence Forces on Filtri tee. The act was made so quickly, because of the big Russian gathering around Bronze Soldier, which was becoming very violent. Even before this act the Russians started to rob shops and tried to do as many damage to the Estonian Republic, as they could. Disturbances lasted all night.

There was one man dead and 57 (12 of whom were police) left injured in the aftermath of six hours of riots on Thursday night. Rubber bullets and tear gas were used on rioters by police, and nearly 300 people were detained.Russia was so furious over the monument’s removal that they threatened Estonia with punishment on Friday, calling the act “inhumane” and “blasphemous.” The Federation Council, the Russian version of a Senate, called for economic sanctions and a breaking of diplomatic relations with Estonia. The resolution passed unanimously.The rising tensions threaten to create problems between Russia and the European Union, which would be forced to take action in the event that Russia places sanctions upon Estonia. This latest crisis comes on the heels of Russian President Putin’s threat to withdraw from an important arms-control agreement for Europe, which has already put some strain on Russia’s relations with the rest of the Union.The Bronze Soldier is, for many Estonians, a constant reminder of half a century of Soviet occupation. But for Russians, and for many Russian-speaking Estonians, it honors the Red Army forces who liberated Estonia, freeing it from Nazi occupation in 1944.

http://www.delfi.ee/news/paevauudised/estoniareports/article.php?id=15727295

http://www.cafebabel.com/en/article.asp?T=T&Id=10782

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronze_Soldier_of_Tallinn

For free Tibet!

Tibet- so far from Europe. For that reason average European doesn't know much about the mysterious and closed for the West country. Tibet is called a lost country- namely in abiding vasall addiction, Tibet has managed to conserve its exceptional culture- till the 20. century, when Mao Zedong and his overwhelming forces destroyed it in a devastating speed. Even nowadays causeless arrests, beating, excruciation and even execution are the daily working habits of the Chinese authorities. After the year 1949, about 6000 religion centers has been destroyed and over 1,2 million people has been killed. His Holiness The Dalai Lama, who is the spiritual leader of Tibet is in India exile, incapable of return to the land he loves. The Dalai Lama is acknowledged as a honorable and important politician. Even John F. Kennedy thought that communicating with him is a great honour (other west politicians think the same). Alas the temptation of Chinas huge market is a great enticement to the businessmen of West that the politicians dare not to do nothing else than remind the Chinese government The Dalai Lama and Tibet with whom they should start negotiations. XIV Dalai Lama

Fortunately EU is one of those few unions, which are interested abou Tibet.
For example:
“In addition, the resolution calls on the Council Presidency to adopt a Declaration indicating "how the EU could facilitate progress towards a peaceful and negotiated solution for Tibet". Parliament also requests that the Council's annual CFSP report include information on progress in the dialogue.” http://www.tibet.com/NewsRoom/euroresolution2.htm

Or the organization Students for a Free Tibet:
"Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) works in solidarity with the Tibetan people to achieve their quest for freedom and independence. We raise political, economic, environmental, and social issues that affect Tibetans living in Tibet and in exile to the government and the public in the UK. As a network of young people around the world, we campaign for fundamental right of Tibetans to independence. We believe that young people can and must take responsibility to change our world for the better!http://www.sftuk.org

A refugee from Tibet protesting protesting against Chinese government.

The Dalai Lama: I would remind that it does not matter from which continent we are from, we are still the same people. We all pursue after happines and try to avoid sufferings. We all have the same basic needs and worries. At that we all, people, desire to be free and define as individuals our own destiny.

Estonia has achieved independence, Tibet has not.

"It is very beautiful act, if Estonian republic could invite The Dalai Lama to visit us. This is the last time for us to stop groverling from the communists- this time the communists of China, not only in words, but in actions too!"(Linnart Mäll)

What can an average European to do, to help Tibet? The Dalai Lama has said that talk about the situation in Tibet. When more people know about Tibet, then more often one question is going to be asked: When Tibet is going to be free?
EU should be more active in the Tibet question and it must not be so afraid of China. We have to support Tibet not only in words, but in actions too.

For the peace of the world! For Tibet!
Something to read from the internet: - www.tibet.com

Where would like to travel the youngsters?

In april I did a gallup, where the youngsters could choose among four countries, where they would like to travel (Hungary, Bulgaria, England and Denmark). The most popular country was England (56%), 20% of the children prefered Bulgaria. 13% of them prefered rather Denmark and 10% Hungary.

Conclusion:

England is the most popular travel destination. The main factor could be the long history, what this country has. Bulgaria was also quite popular, mainly because it joined EU recently and for that reason is more atractive (as a new memberstate).

Answered 30 students in ages11-22.

When they could choose freely, where to travel, then Italy was mentioned most (20%) for its climate. Then came France (16%) because its culture, sightseeings and also for learing France language. Afterwards came (8%) England, Ireland, Portugal and Austria. Also some of the youngsters desired to travel to Romania, Belgium, Spain, Greece, Island, Denmark, Finland and German (4% for each).

Answered 25 students in ages 11-20.

Another union- African Union

The African Union (AU) is an organisation consisting of fifty-three African states. Established in 2001, the AU was formed as a successor to the amalgamated African Economic Community (AEC) and the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). Eventually, the AU aims to have a single currency and a single integrated defence force, as well as other institutions of state, including a cabinet for the AU Head of State(You could see the similarity with the EU). The purpose of the union is to help secure Africa's democracy, human rights, and a sustainable economy, especially by bringing an end to intra-African conflict and creating an effective common market.

Facts about African Union:

• Capital is Addis Ababa (in Ethiopia)


• 53 members


• The most important institution is Assembly of the African Union


• Total area is 29,757,900 km² (European union 4 324 782 km2)


• Population 850 million (in EU ~500 million)


• GDP per capita $1,896 ( EU-s ~28 213$)


• The union has its one anthem, symbols (http://www.africa-union.org/root/au/AboutAU/AUSymbols/ausymbols.htm)

I think that AU should be more independent. You can say about AU that it is a "loan from the west", what should help Africa to manage by itself. When we are comparing this union with the EU, then it needs to do a lot more reforms. I hope that the future of the AU is bright, but brighter future requires a huge amount of work.

Climate changes and the vision of Europe

Did you know that the experts are on the viewpoint that by the year 2071 every second year there may take place a heatwave, what is equal with event happened in 2003, what caused the death of approx 22 000 European people.
The heatwaves are caused by the big amount of the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
What does the EU do to solve the greenhouse gase problem?
The union has started several initiatives to execute the Kyoto assignments. In the year 2000 the comission started the European climate change programme, where are ordained the most useful European strategies and measures. The most effective and innovative element is the European greenhouse gas quota swapping what came into force 1. January 2005. This unique system subsumes 11 500 industrial enterprises. Each source of greenhouse gas has a limited right to cast greenhouse gas every year. The opportunity to trade with the quotas lets the enterprises to reduce the amount of casted greenhouse gases with the most successful way.
It is all very nice but Europe is reducing the greenhouse gases whereas the rest of the world is enlarging them. Where is the wider point of the EU action when the rest of the world does not come along.
Great goals have been set but alone Europe can't to anything. In my mind the EU has failed with attracting other countries to the plan of reducing the greenhouse gases.

Economic growth in European regions

International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts that this year economic growth in European region will outbalance the growth in USA. It's the first time since year 2001. IMF predicts that economic growth will increase 2,3% in European region and USA will stay on the 2,3% level. Even though in September, IMF prognosticated that USA will have 2,9% increase in those numbers and European regions will have to put up with 2%. However, prognosis say that next year, the positions will be opposite. The economic growth in European regions will remain around 2% and will increase up to 2,8% in USA.

Studentdays 2007 in Tartu

Recently Studentdays 2007 started in Tartu. Over the years the main goal of this event has been reminding the university students that they should enjoy their time studing in the University. Although, not all of the events are for university students only. Other students are also free to participate.

Young people! It's good to discuss, think and learn, but we shouldn't forget to enjoy our life. Go outside, enjoy the beginning of the spring and just have fun!