First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu (Parliament) entitled "Extension of the period of use of the Defence Forces in fulfilling the international obligations of the Republic of Estonia in a UN peacekeeping operation in Lebanon" (484 OE).
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
Date: 2024-11-06 20:55
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 8
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 8m
AI Summaries: 8/8 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The agenda item was the first reading of draft resolution 484 of the Riigikogu, concerning the extension of the term of service for the Defence Forces' use in fulfilling the Estonian state’s international obligations within the UN peacekeeping operation UNIFIL in Lebanon. Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur introduced the draft, noting that UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) is a large-scale operation involving 48 countries with nearly 10,000 personnel. Estonia contributes to the operation with one officer, making it one of the smallest contributors. The Minister affirmed that despite the current tense situation in southern Lebanon, both the Foreign Intelligence Service and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommended continuing the contribution, emphasizing the need to be present with allies. The annual mission cost per individual is approximately 38,000 euros.
Anti Poolamets raised a question regarding the safety of UN personnel and violations of international law, citing incidents where peacekeepers have been shot at. Minister Pevkur confirmed that the incident was regrettable, but based on fresh security assessments, Estonia must continue its contribution. A member of the Defence Committee, Meelis Kiili, introduced the draft on behalf of the Defence Committee, providing an overview of the history of UNIFIL (established in 1978) and Estonia's previous participation (1996–1997). He explained that Estonia would continue participation with up to three active military personnel and that previous attacks on UN personnel have been more related to exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah, rather than deliberate attacks. The Defence Committee made a consensus proposal to conclude the first reading.
Decisions Made 2
The Defence Committee made a proposal to the Riigikogu to conclude the first reading of draft resolution 484.
The deadline for submitting amendments was set for November 20, 2023, at 10:00 AM.
Most Active Speaker
Meelis Kiili was active, presenting a thorough overview to the Defence Committee regarding the discussion of the bill, the security situation, and the committee's consensus-based procedural decisions.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Today’s agenda item concerns the Government’s proposed bill No. 484, which extends the period for the use of the Estonian Defence Forces in the UN peacekeeping operation in Lebanon in order to fulfil Estonia’s international obligations; first reading; presentation by Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur said that UNIFIL operating in Lebanon is a very large international mission, with about 10,000 people from 48 countries; Estonia's contribution is one officer. The situation is currently tense, and both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Foreign Intelligence Service recommended continuing to contribute, with an annual cost per person of about 38,000 euros.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the minister and asked Anti Poolametsa to present at least one question.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets asks what to do if UN-mandated international missions come under fire; why they sit in trenches, whether this violates international law, and what conclusions should be drawn from this.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said that Estonia's contribution to United Nations peacekeeping operations along the Israel-Lebanon border must continue, referring to the confirmation of the 2000 border line, and, according to current assessments, the incident is regrettable and our continued contribution is necessary.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chair thanks the minister, ends the questions, and now asks to introduce Meelis Kiili, a member of the National Defence Committee.
Meelis Kiili
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The Defence Committee discussed the draft bill before its first reading, familiarized itself with the UNIFIL situation and Estonia's contribution in Lebanon, and by consensus decided to bring the draft bill to the first reading at the Riigikogu's session on 6 November and to set the deadline for submitting amendments at 10:00 on 20 November, with me as the committee's representative.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chair thanks the presenter, there are no questions, the discussions are opened and closed, and the Steering Committee's proposal is to conclude the first reading of Bill 484; the first reading has been concluded, and the deadline for submitting amendments is November 20 of this year at 10:00.