Article published in the daily newspaper "Molodjozh Estonii" on July 4, 2007

FELLOWSHIP OF IDEALS

Josef Kats
Photo Sergei Trofimov

There is no such thing as special “American values” – the values of freedom and democracy simply became ideals of the United States before they did so in other countries. But these aspirations make it all the more valuable for various countries – ours in particular – not only to share those values, but also to promote their advancement around the world. Such is the point of view of Stanley Davis Phillips, U.S. Ambassador to Estonia, which he shares with the readers of Molodjozh Estonii.

As is known, Estonia is a relatively young and small country, and thus not very well known in the world. What was your idea of our country before you came here to serve as Ambassador of the United States?

I had heard about your country on multiple occasions. In the business world, where I am from, Estonia is highly regarded primarily thanks to your accomplishments in information technology. Internet banking and e-government has made your country known as “E-stonia.” And, of course, the events of the last eight weeks and their different aspects have brought Estonia to the front pages of the world.

What was your first impression of our country after you had seen it with your own eyes?

It so happened I arrived to Estonia during the April events. I got off the plane with my wife the night the riots began in Tallinn. The next morning we went to see the Bronze Soldier. We knew there was an issue with the Bronze Soldier prior coming over here but we were surprised the riots would be on such a scale.

Naturally, the Bronze Soldier and the events around it are a very emotional issue for the people of Estonia. But the situation was handled very well. It is understandable that there is emotional tension that might last for quite some time. In the eight weeks we have been here I should say that tensions have subsided. There may be many disagreements, but people are beginning to understand the passion on both sides.

You say the actions of our government during the crisis were correct, but some of our neighbors believe that Estonia is not moving in the right direction…

Estonia is moving in the right direction. It is amazing what Estonia has managed to do in the sixteen years since it has re-gained independence. Estonia has captured the attention of the world primarily, as I have already mentioned, with high-tech and info technology; it should not worry about its image in that sphere. Estonia also has a reputation in the tourism industry; take, for instance, all the cruise ships that come to the port of Tallinn every day. So Estonia has a great reputation around the world and this reputation is very positive.

Estonia is dealing with the issue of integration and it is very important. The problem of integration has been and remains a topical subject for the USA and many other countries. At times, people think their country is the only one in the world that has the integration problem, which is very emotional and very difficult. I am glad to see that in the eight weeks I have been here I have seen people talking and discussing what needs to be done to deal with the integration problem in Estonia.

There is no need to question what the U.S. means for our country. Let me ask a “reverse question:” what does Estonia mean for the USA?

Estonia is a symbol of what a country can do in today's world. Not only has Estonia achieved great success in its development, it is also leading the way for other countries that strive for independence. Additionally, many countries have things to learn from Estonia; for example, the transparency of your banking system is one of them.

Several years ago there was an idea that within the Baltic region Estonia is the most European-oriented country. Now things have changed and people say Estonia is the most American-oriented country. Do you think this is true?

It depends on what we are talking about. The abundance of new cars on the streets of Tallinn is a testament that the people of Estonia are very similar to American in their love for new automobiles… On a more serious note, I have been working in economic development for many years. That is why I am trying to make contact with representatives of various American companies to have them visit and invest in Estonia, which is actually a window to the whole region – not only to the Baltic States but to all of Europe.

As far as political co-operation is concerned, I should mention the recent official visit of Estonian President Ilves to the United States and his meeting with President Bush. I was extremely impressed at the depth of their two-hour discussion. I think such meetings are very welcome, especially now that Estonia is not simply one of the European states but a full-fledged member of the EU and NATO.

A question on the topic of NATO. A couple of days ago our southern neighbors the Latvians completed their peacekeeping mission in Iraq. Estonians continue to serve there. How useful is the small Estonian military contingent to the United States?

Estonian assistance is very noteworthy and real. During his last press conference, President Bush recognized the two Estonian soldiers that were killed in Afghanistan and noted the Estonian commitment in fighting for independence and democracy. Estonian dedication to helping other countries such as Ukraine and Georgia should also be noted.

So the people who say Estonia is becoming a so-called “exporter of American values” are partly right?

First of all, there are no specific American values. Independence and the spirit of freedom are inherent to everyone without exception. America gained its independence over two hundred years ago; other countries, including Estonia, did so at the end of the last century. Aspiration towards independence is understandable to everyone in the world.