Estonian president thanks Soros for promoting democracy

Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves thanked the prominent philanthropist and
financial wizard George Soros for promoting democratic reforms and free thought in the world and Estonia in particular, as the two met in New York today.

"Without your personal contribution, many East European countries would not have advanced to where they are now, and there would be less democracy in the world," the president's office quoted Ilves as saying. The president and Soros spoke about the latter's plan to institute a European foreign relations council with a view to shaping more harmonious foreign policy viewpoints on the continent. Soros' and Estonian efforts to assist Georgia on its path of democracy were also under discussion.

Both Ilves and Soros expressed concern about the last few years' develoments in Russia.

More information:

Mall Hellam
Open Estonia Foundation
Phone +3726313791
mall@oef.org.ee
www.oef.org.ee