Baltic States – CIS, Estonia, Legislation, Transport

The minister said works to mark the border are proceeding as planned and a positive attitude of municipalities and landowners plays a big role in this, spokespeople for the Interior Ministry told BNS. "By now we have installed 21 border posts and preparations for starting construction works continue. Agreements have been reached with most private landowners and negotiations continue with the owners of 26 land plots," Pevkur said.

Spokespeople for the Interior Ministry said earlier on Friday that three in four landowners owning land next to the Estonian-Russian border have agreed to sell the land required for the construction of the border. Of the 103 landowners affected 77 have given their consent to sell.

The minister added that acquisition of border markers for the border lakes is under way and if weather permits marking of the border on the bodies of water will be started in conjunction with the Maritime Administration still this year.

One of the questions asked by the municipality leaders taking part in the meeting was about the three-way meeting point where the national borders of Estonia, Latvia ad Russia come together.

"Here we have to take into account that it is an area of border regime where restrictions apply. But our wish is to complete the construction of the three-way meeting point and then to find the best possibilities in collaboration with local municipalities for presenting the three-way meeting point to tourists and others," the minister added.

During his visit to Polva Pevkur gave a lesson in civic education at Polva High School.