The Estonian Minister of Defence Margus Hanson who cancelled his further visit to Kosovo and Albanis offered his deepest condolences to the family of the Estonian peacekeeper First Sergeant Arre Illenzeer in connection with the tragic accident and the loss of his life in Iraq today.
“With deepest sorrow we have to admit the loss of the Estonian peacekeeper who was defending the stablitity and peace in Iraq,” the Minister of Defence said. “It is hard to console the relatives by saying that Your son, father, husband and friend has offered his life for the peace and stability of the world. Because peace is the optimum target of our lives and in that context every loss of a human life is unfair and hard to accept.
The Estonian soldiers are fulfilling their duty which unfortunately also means possible encounter with the danger to life and encounter with death. We are supported by the conviction that with that we hopefully can change the world for a better and securer place. A place where in the future we are not to have more casualties with that aim.
Security is fragile even in the most secure corners of the world, as evil mind and thoughtlessness never ask for human’s wishes and aspirations.
And yet, the pain and suffering of the relatives and friends can never be compensated. Today Estonia is mourning over the loss of First Sergeant Arre Illenzeer via terroristic violence.
I am convinced that I reflected the emotions of many Estonians. Please accept my deepest condolences.”
In connection with the tragic events in Iraq the Minister of Defence Margus Hanson has cancelled his visit to Kosovo and Albania and will return to Estonia on Tuesday afternoon.