First reading of the draft resolution (486 OE) of the Riigikogu, "Extension of the term of use of the Defence Forces in fulfilling the international obligations of the Republic of Estonia in a post-conflict peacekeeping operation in Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, Jordan and Syria."
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
Date: 2024-11-06 21:10
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 8
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 6m
AI Summaries: 8/8 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) will today debate draft law 486 concerning the extension of the term of service of the Defence Forces in the UNTSO peacekeeping operation led by the United Nations. The presentation will be given by Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur. The main topic is the handling of international military missions and the continuation of Estonia’s participation in the United Nations' footprint. Particular focus will be on peacekeeping operations in Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, and Syria, for which Estonia has provided a limited number of Defence Forces personnel and which cost the state approximately 55,000 euros per year.
From a procedural standpoint, it is emphasized that the debate will take place in accordance with inter-committee cooperation and, within the framework of the UN mandate, it is important to ensure adherence to these international agreements. The draft law provides for the extension of the desired term until the end of 2025 and a reduction in the number of Defence Forces personnel to three. Important procedural decisions include the first reading, a deadline for amendments, and the assignment of names to the Riigikogu board.
Decisions Made 4
Based on the discussion that took place, the proposal is to add the bill to the agenda of the November 6th session for its first reading and to conclude consideration of the bill in the first reading.
The Defence Committee decided to appoint a rapporteur to represent the Riigikogu in procedural decisions regarding a bill.
The Defence Committee submitted a proposal to the Speaker of the Riigikogu to set the deadline for submitting amendments to the bill as November 20th of this year at 10:00 AM.
Within the framework of cooperation with the board, it was decided to conclude the first reading and continue negotiations; the next step is to adhere to deadlines and implement the relevant decisions by the end of the session.
Most Active Speaker
The speaker who most actively represented the session with the longest commentary is a politician with the identifier rYwMQ2pj_ac. Their role is listed as a member of the Riigikogu, but the document does not clearly state whether they belong to the left- or right-wing bloc; therefore, their placement is listed as "muul" or other.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
In this agenda item, the Government’s draft Riigikogu decision No. 486, by which the use of the Defence Forces would be extended to fulfill international obligations in post-conflict peacekeeping operations in Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, Jordan and Syria; the presenter is Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said that UNTSO, created by United Nations Security Council Resolution 50, adopted on May 29, 1948, is the oldest international ceasefire monitoring mission in the Middle East, with 159 military observers from 30 countries (including 14 NATO member states); the observers are unarmed, Estonia's contribution is one observer, and the annual cost is about 55,000 euros.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chairman Lauri Hussar thanks the esteemed minister and asks that Anti Poolamets pose at least one question.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets noted that this is a mission from a bygone era named "post-conflict peacekeeping operation," and asked what exactly this post-conflict operation is for, and whether renewing the mandate and adding a new name and substance are necessary.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said that international military missions and peacekeeping operations arise from a joint agreement among allies, the UN decision-making process is long and dates back to 1948, and if the UN Security Council considers changing or repealing Resolution No. 50, Estonia's contribution will be discussed, but at present the mandate is an international agreement and, on that basis, we are unarmed, and time will tell how the situation in the Middle East region as a whole will be brought under control.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the minister, stated that there are no further questions, and invited Kristo Enn Vaga, a member of the Riigikogu's Defence Committee, to the floor.
Kristo Enn Vaga
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
A draft bill will be brought before the Riigikogu for consideration, extending the participation deadline for up to three Estonian Defence Forces soldiers in the UNTSO peacekeeping operation until the end of 2025, compared with last year’s six to three; the National Defence Committee decided to place it on the agenda for the first reading at the 6 November session, to propose the completion of the first reading of the draft bill, appointed the rapporteur, and set the deadlines for submitting amendments at 10:00 on 20 November.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chair, Lauri Hussar, declared the first reading closed, opened negotiations, announced that the deadline for submitting amendment proposals is November 20 at 10:00, and adjourned today's session, inviting members to the Riigikogu plenary session tomorrow at 10.