Other events in Baltic States

The members of the Estonian Defence Forces and the members of the Latvian Defence Forces celebrated together the 90th anniversary of the Võnnu (Cesis) battle on Monday, writes the National Broadcasting/LETA.

The victory light was lit in Võnnu, which reached Tallinn by the evening.

According to initial plans devised by the heads of Estonia and Latvia, Toomas Hendrik Ilves and Valdis Zatlers, a big parade was to be held on the central square of Cesis, but due to the shortage of funds, the number of participants was smaller.

President of Latvia held a speech in Estonian as well as in Latvian, stating that the battle of Võnnu/Cesis has a special place in the history of the two countries. "It cemented a foundation for the independent Republic of Latvia as well as for the independent Republic of Estonia," said Zatlers. He added that he was glad that the special relationship between the two States has not changed in the 90 years in the meantime.

Minister of defence of Latvia Imants Viesturs lit a torch near the Võnnu monument, handing it over to his Estonian colleague Jaak Aaviksoo.