Tallinn, Stenbock House, 9 September 2004 - Members of the government heard at tonight´s cabinet meeting a preliminary overview presented by Margus Leivo, Minister of Internal Affairs, of the issue of executing the September 2 government order regarding the removal of the Lihula memorial.
The government expressed regret that the removal of the memorial triggered people's resentment and a conflict between locals and the police and officials of the rescue service that executed the order. The government also noted that the information in the government order on reasons for its adoption and execution was insufficient.
The government considered it necessary to continue studying recent Estonian history to determine the actual truth of what happened in Estonia during the occupation. The cabinet members considered it important to make known the findings of this research both in Estonia and internationally.
The government believes that it is important to honour with dignity everyone who perished for Estonian freedom, and will initiate preparatory work for this in coming weeks, including all relevant interest groups.
The government gave the Minister of Internal Affairs, Minister of Regional Affairs and State Secretary the task of continuing the analysis of any circumstances related to the erection and removal of the memorial and to submit a summary to the cabinet of ministers.
On September 2, 2004 the government gave an order to remove the unlawful structure from Lihula cemetery that was erected on state land without permission and damaged the reputation of Estonia.
Sincerely,
Government Communications Office
