First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu ("Extension of the Term of Use of the Defence Forces in the Implementation of Estonia's International Obligations in a Post-Conflict Peacekeeping Operation in Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and Syria") (711 OE)
Session: Fifteenth Riigikogu, sixth sitting, plenary sitting.
Date: 2025-09-24 20:53
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 9
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 3m
AI Summaries: 9/9 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu debated Draft Resolution 711, submitted by the Government of the Republic, concerning the extension of the mandate for the use of the Defence Forces in the UN-led peacekeeping operation UNTSO across Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur emphasized that this is the UN's oldest peacekeeping operation, involving over 30 countries. According to the draft resolution, the mandate will be extended until the end of 2026, and the upper limit of the Estonian contingent will be increased to up to six servicemen (previously up to three). The reason for the increase is the opportunity to take command of the Cairo liaison office, which is why it was proposed to send two officers instead of one to the mission. The cost of the operation for two servicemen would be approximately 120,000 euros.
Kristo Enn Vaga summarized the debate on behalf of the lead committee, the National Defence Committee. He confirmed that the committee thoroughly reviewed the draft resolution at its sessions on September 15 and 22, receiving an overview from both the Minister of Defence and representatives of the Defence Forces General Staff and the Support Command. The committee unanimously decided to propose that the Riigikogu conclude the first reading of the draft resolution. Estonian military personnel have participated in the UNTSO mission as military observers and staff officers since 1997. Following the conclusion of the debate, it was decided to conclude the first reading.
Decisions Made 2
The first reading of Riigikogu Draft Resolution 711 has been concluded.
The deadline for the submission of amendments was set as 17:15 on October 8, 2024.
Most Active Speaker
Kristo Enn Vaga (Member of the National Defence Committee) was the most active, presenting a comprehensive overview of the leading committee's work and its consensus decisions. (Miscellaneous)
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller introduced the 13th item on the agenda, which was the first reading of Riigikogu Draft Resolution 711 concerning the extension of the term for the deployment of the Defense Forces in international peacekeeping operations in Lebanon, Israel, and other Middle Eastern countries. The rapporteur was Minister of Defense Hanno Pevkur.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The Riigikogu is debating Bill 711 in its first reading, the purpose of which is to extend the term for the deployment of the defense forces to fulfill the international obligations of the Republic of Estonia in post-conflict peacekeeping operations in Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. The rapporteur is Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur spoke about the UNTSO peacekeeping operation, noting that it is the UN's oldest peacekeeping mission and that representatives from over 30 countries participate there, including 14 NATO member states. He also proposed increasing the number of officers from one to two for the next year and granting a total mandate for up to six servicemen to manage the liaison office near Cairo, the costs of which would be approximately 120,000 euros.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur introduced UNTSO, the UN's oldest peacekeeping mission in the Middle East, and proposed increasing Estonia's contribution from one officer to two in order to take charge of the Cairo liaison office. He noted that the total mandate would cover up to six servicemen, and the annual cost of the operation would reach 120,000 euros.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller announced that there were no questions, and the discussion held in the lead committee will be summarized by Kristo Enn Vaga, a member of the National Defence Committee.
Kristo Enn Vaga
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The National Defense Committee unanimously decided to submit a draft resolution to the Riigikogu agenda for the first reading, which extends the participation of Estonian defense forces personnel in the UN peacekeeping operation UNTSO in Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, and Syria until the end of 2026, and increases the number of participants from three to six military personnel.
Kristo Enn Vaga
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kristo Enn Vaga expressed satisfaction with the unanimous proceedings regarding the nine mission bills and introduced the final bill, which extends the participation of up to six Estonian servicemen (serving as military observers and staff officers) in the UN's long-running peacekeeping operation UNTSO in Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and Syria until the end of 2026. He noted that the National Defence Committee decided to support the bill consensually and proposed concluding the first reading.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller announced that, as no requests to speak were submitted during the discussions, the first reading of Draft Act 711 was concluded, and the deadline for submitting amendments was set for October 8 of the current year at 17:15, noting that this completed Item 13 on the agenda.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller announced that the debate is open and there are no requests to speak. The debate will be closed, and the leading committee's proposal is to conclude the first reading of Draft Bill 711. The first reading is concluded. The deadline for submitting amendments is October 8th at 17:15, and the 13th item on today's agenda has now been completed.