Estonian tourists allowed to travel to US without visas
Interior minister of Estonia Juri Pihl and 2nd secretary of homeland security of the United States Michael Chertoff have signed on March 12 a memorandum on a visa-free regime for citizens of Estonia trevelling to the US as tourists or on invitation, REGNUM correspondent has cited Estonian government press office. Visa-free travelling to the US will become possible for this category of Estonian citizens before November 2008.
The memorandum was signed despite a protest from the European Union's headquaters. The latter is concerned that Estonia's initiative is contrary to the integral external policy of the EU and creates a schism in the European community.
Commenting on the EU criticism, Pihl has stated at a press conference that there is a provision in the memorandum, according to which the USA are supposed to respect Estonia's responsibilities before the European Union.
He has also said he is guaranteeing to his European partners that Estonia, while introducing the new visa-free regime, will stick to the principles defined in EU headquarters in Brussels for EU member states that are seeking visa-free relations with the USA.
Chertoff, for his part, chose not to comment on the consequences of the memorandum for the EU member countries who already have visa-free relations with the US. The memorandum requires of a EU member country a new, increased level of security and control.
Pihl and Chertoff have pointed out at the conference the importance and symbolic meaning of the signed document from the point of view of developing bilateral connections and demonstrating common values.
As REGNUM informed earlier, Estonia in 1992 unilaterally cancelled visas for US citizens travelling to Estonia. Decision to sign a memorandum between Estonia and the USA on cancelling visas for Estonian citizens travelling to the US was taken on February 11, during the visit of assistant to the secretary of internal security of the USA Richard Bart. Head of Estonian foreign ministry Urmas Paet acknowledged at the meeting that Estonian citizens who are visiting the US not as tourists or guests but for study or work, will still have to get a US visa.
The new system will not apply to the holders of the so-called “gray passports” — non-citizens of Estonia, even if they have a permit for permanent residence in the European Union.
16:30 03/12/2008
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