October 26, 2001

Joint Press Release

of the Embassy of United States in Estonia and the United States European Command

During General Carlton Fulford's successful visit to Estonia, October 17-18, he held a productive meeting with Estonian President Arnold Rüütel. He was interested in the President's defense proposals, and believes that they will be worthy of further consideration at an appropriate time. Any decision on NATO defense doctrine is of course made with the consensus of all NATO member states.

"My meeting with President Rüütel was the highlight of my visit to Estonia, and I deeply appreciated the time he spent with me," General Fulford said. "Our discussions covered a variety of security subjects, all of which were important to the security of this region and Europe as a whole.

"The world has changed since September 11, and we value the perspectives we have received from world leaders like President Rüütel as we adjust to new realities," he said. "Any remarks attributed to me to the contrary are false."