To the President of the European Parliament
Dr. Klaus Hänsch
Rue Belliard 97-113
B-1047 Bruxelles

Dear President Hänsch,

The Estonian National Congress in Sweden - representing Swedish Estonians, mostly refugees or descendants of refugees from the Soviet and Nazi German occupations of Estonia - wishes to express satisfaction with the assent of the European Parliament to the Europe Agreements concluded with Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. These agreements, we believe, are of utmost importance to safeguard and enhance independence and peace, as well as democracy and economic development, in the area, and we do like to express our gratitude to you, in your capacity as President, for these decisions.

We do however wish to take this opportunity to direct your attention to the fact that in the semi-official Swedish weekly "Från Riksdag & Departement", in an interview published this autumn, you are quoted with rather critical remarks on the citizenship and minority issues in the Baltic states.

Being in a minority position in another country ourselves, we are indeed most concerned about these issues in Estonia, as well as Latvia and Lithuania. Nevertheless it is our firm opinion that the Baltic states, considering the difficult political and economic circumstances, have dealt with these issues in a most responsible way. Proof of this is given as well by numerous international missions and delegations - quoted also in Mr. Truscott’s report - as by the fact that inter-ethnic relations in the area are more peaceful and less violent than in, for example, Sweden, France or Germany. Further, citizenship legislation is more liberal than in most European countries, and the imposition of time-limits for change of documents is not unknown in other countries either, for example in the new Länder in Germany.

Certainly it is a complicated and sensitive process to come to terms with the legacies of occupation and oppression, which requires continued attention from authorities and concerned groups in the respective countries, as well as constructive advice and support from international bodies. Sweeping criticism, on the other hand, primarily serves the propaganda interests of neo-imperialist politicians in Russia. We would urge all democratic politicians to avoid statements that mistakenly could be interpreted as giving support to such groups.

The remarks in your interview came prior to the presentation of the reports of the Parliament’s rapporteurs. These reports give, in our opinion, a fairly accurate picture of the situation. We are confident that you are acquainted with them, and that you will give your full support to the continuing reform process in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, as well as to their full membership in the Union.
Yours sincerely,