Second reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu "Extension of the Term for the Use of the Defence Forces in Fulfilling the International Obligations of the Republic of Estonia in the Post-Conflict Peacekeeping Operation in Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and Syria" (711 OE)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Date: 2025-11-05 20:31
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 9
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 9m
AI Summaries: 9/9 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The agenda item concerned Draft Resolution 711 of the Riigikogu, submitted by the Government of the Republic, which addressed the extension of the term of use of the Defence Forces in the UN peacekeeping operation UNTSO (The United Nations Truce Supervision Organization) in Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. Kristo Enn Vaga, a member of the National Defence Committee, introduced the second reading of the draft resolution, noting that no amendments had been submitted, but the committee had made linguistic clarifications to the text. The committee unanimously approved the draft resolution and proposed concluding the second reading and submitting the draft for a final vote. The draft resolution extends the term of use for up to six Estonian servicemen until the end of 2026. During the debate, Rain Epler raised a question regarding the operation's designation as "post-conflict," to which Vaga explained that this is the official UN designation for the mission, which began in 1948. During the negotiations, Peeter Ernits analyzed the voting results of previous missions, highlighting the differing geopolitical interests of the political parties. The draft resolution was adopted in the final vote.
Decisions Made 2
The Riigikogu decided to conclude the second reading of Bill 711.
The draft resolution of the Riigikogu, No. 711, submitted by the Government of the Republic, was adopted in the final vote with 58 votes in favor, 2 against, and 1 abstention.
Most Active Speaker
As the rapporteur, Kristo Enn Vaga was the most active speaker, presenting the substance of the draft bill, clarifying the committee's work, and responding to Rain Epler’s question regarding the mission’s designation. His position is right/center.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announced that draft bill 711, submitted by the Government of the Republic, concerning the extension of the term for the use of the Defence Forces in fulfilling Estonia's international obligations in the post-conflict peacekeeping operation in Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and Syria, would be discussed as the 14th item on the agenda, and he invited Kristo Enn Vaga, a member of the National Defence Committee, to introduce the draft bill.
Kristo Enn Vaga
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kristo Enn Vaga provided an overview of the second reading of the draft act, which extends the deployment of up to six members of the Estonian Defence Forces to the UN peacekeeping operation UNTSO until the end of 2026. He noted that the National Defence Committee only made linguistic adjustments to the bill and unanimously decided to conclude the second reading and forward the bill for the final vote, while also thanking his colleagues for their support for this final mission bill.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the presenter for the presentation and opened the floor for questions, giving the first word to Rain Epler.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler began his address by thanking the previous speaker for their brief remarks, but immediately pivoted to questioning the meaning of the operation's name, "post-conflict." He sought clarification on whether the mission would only commence after the conflict had concluded, and requested a full explanation of the concept.
Kristo Enn Vaga
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kristo Enn Vaga emphasized that the long official designation of the UN mission—which began in 1948 and to which Estonia has contributed since 1997—including the reference to a "post-conflict" operation, is determined by the United Nations Organization and is neither the choice nor the decision of the Estonian government.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the previous speaker, concluded the round of questions, and opened the debate, inviting the next speaker, Peeter Ernits, to the Riigikogu rostrum.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits analyzes the Riigikogu voting results concerning military missions, acknowledging that they demonstrate Estonians' significant interest in global affairs and reveal the differing geopolitical priorities of the political parties. However, he simultaneously criticizes the fact that addressing such a topic right now—when more crucial matters like the state budget and the State Auditor General's report are pending—appears to be a waste of time.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announced the closure of the debate, noting that no amendments had been submitted regarding draft resolution 711, and he then put the draft decision submitted by the Government of the Republic before the Riigikogu for a final vote. This decision concerns the extension of the deployment period for the Defence Forces in fulfilling Estonia's international obligations in peacekeeping operations in Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and Syria.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announced the voting results, according to which the draft resolution was adopted as a decision with 58 votes in favor, 2 votes against, and 1 abstention.