Baltic States – CIS, Estonia, Legislation, Russia, Transport

"There are no objective obstacles that would prevent the completion of the ratification process. We in Estonia are ready for it, but for the agreements to come in force, readiness of both sides is necessary," Pentus-Rosimannus told ERR news portal.

Estonia's security situation is not changed by Russia's unwillingness to move forward with the ratification of the border treaties, Pentus-Rosimannus said.

"Enforcing border agreements is in the interests of both parties to the treaty and enables to demarcate the border. The Estonian parliament has passed the first reading of the bill for enforcing border agreements. To move further, the Russian Duma must make its first steps," she commented.

"Estonia is also moving forward with clearing work of the temporary control line between Estonia and Russia, which began in late October," said Pentus-Rosimannus.

Russian State Duma Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Alexei Pushkov said this week that while Russia would like to ratify the border treaty with Estonia, he does not see a chance for it in the current tense political situation.

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov signed the border agreement in February last year. Now, it would need parliamentary ratification in both countries.