Article published in the daily newspaper "Postimees" on May 15, 2007

U.S. Ambassador Phillips: We support Estonia

Erki Bahovski
Photo: Liis Treimann

The newly-appointed U.S. Ambassador to Estonia, Stanley Davis Phillips, speaks in his interview with Postimees about how the U.S. supports Estonia on the Bronze Soldier issue and about how U.S. dialogue with Russia is still important in the War on Terror

It is quite ironic that I had to start my interview with your predecessor with a question about a monument, but then it was about the Lihula monument. Now it is another monument's turn. What is the U.S. position on the Bronze Soldier issue?

History is very important and obviously history is the most important thing for Estonians. Since I arrived here two weeks ago, I feel like I am a part of history. This is what the Bronze Soldier is all about—a symbol of history. It is something that involves many emotions. It is something that Estonia and Estonian people have to deal with themselves and we support Estonia.

How do you see the siege of the Estonian Embassy in Moscow? Estonia, as well as other EU-member states have said that it is the breach of the Vienna Convention, whereas Russia has asserted that it has it has nothing to do with the Vienna Convention, that everything that happened was a sign of Russian civic society.

As a new diplomat, I have great sympathy as to what has happened to the Estonian Ambassador (Marina Kaljurand) and it is my understanding that the Vienna Convention talks about the protection of diplomats and we must respect diplomatic immunity and the ability of diplomats to communicate freely. So it is very concerning to all of us that this took place in Moscow.

How would you describe the overall relations between the United States and Russia?

I think Russia sees the big picture, [and] America sees the big picture. As I have just mentioned, this is a historical event for the Estonian people and it must be into perspective as to the world situation. There is a lot of frustration with a lot of history. The most intriguing [thing in all] this is that you were a history major in college and I was a history major in college and I feel like I am living history right now, but we are looking back. What we need to do is to look forward. And Russia, I think, is looking forward. Russia still has a lot of situations in its past that it is dealing with. The big picture is the war on terrorism and that is where we all have to be concentrated and focused.

Do you think that Russia is helping the United States in the war on terrorism?

Yes, I do.

Could you elaborate?

Russia has had its problems with terrorism. So they understand exactly what is taking place and are concerned for the future. If we, citizens of the world, allow terrorists to get a nuclear weapon, that is the most important thing that we have to be concerned with.

So in that sense it is quite important to co-operate with Russia in regard to Iran and North Korea?

Iran, North Korea – we are really concerned about both situations. So we really want Russia's co-operation and want the world's co-operation.

Still, the issue seems quite complex regarding the situation with the plan for U.S. missile defense bases in the Czech Republic and Poland. These are supposed to be [directed] against a possible threat from Iran and North Korea. And it needs co-operation with Russia. At the same time we know that Russia consistently opposes the introduction of U.S. bases in those countries. So how should we solve this conundrum?

For them [Russia] to become more comfortable. We must have more dialogue with them. They must have more confidence as to what our intentions are. The bases could help them much more than they could help America. So this is the key issue for our future. Our future, not just Estonia or the U.S., but the whole world.

How would the U.S. overcome this negative reaction from Russia? You said that there should be more dialogue, but how do we make clear to Russians that they [the bases] are not targeted against them? We all know what is happening now in Russia. It seems like Russia is taking up Cold War rhetoric. How do we overcome this resistance from Russia? What is the recipe?

More dialogue. It should be explained that it is not a threat to them and we need to get beyond that.

Estonian and U.S. relations seem to be excellent. Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves will visit Washington to meet U.S. President Bush. What can one expect from that visit?

President Bush had a great visit here in November; I was especially intrigued but it was well reported in the American press. I think that the relations are extremely cordial. Many friends and businessman who have visited Estonia have sensed a lot of good will. President Bush's visit exemplified that. And in return, the invitation to President Ilves to visit Washington is a example of the good relationship. It is the continuation of good will.

The visa waiver program is important. President Bush has made it very clear that he supports it and has sent a bill to Capitol Hill. It is being worked on.

America wants to show its total appreciation to Estonia [for its] support in the war on terrorism and for what your soldiers do in Afghanistan and Iraq. It is a true indication of friendship.

One thing that Americans have realized when it comes to the Estonian troops is that they are there without caveats, they are in the fight. The day I was sworn in by Secretary Condoleezza Rice, I made that comment to the people assembled.

What are your first impressions on Estonia?

People are exceptionally nice. Two weeks ago when we arrived the first thing we did was to go and see the Bronze Soldier. We were intrigued like everybody else was intrigued. We then toured the city—the new city and the Old Town. That is what is so intriguing -- how symbolic this town is. It is a new country but a historic country at the same time.

What are your priorities in Estonia?

I am a businessperson and that has been my major exposure in life. I would like to find ways that would help Estonia and the U.S. do business together -- from an investment standpoint, for instance. Part of it is through tourism with its cultural aspects. My wife and I are involved in several cultural projects in America and we would like to get [things] started here in Estonia and vice versa.