Ladies and Gentlemen,

Welcome to the International Symposium on the Sinking of Estonia.

First, this event is a memorial to the 852 innocent lives lost on Estonia.  The lives of at least 852 people were taken from us exactly 11 years ago when the passenger ferry suddenly sank under mysterious circumstances into the frigid water of the Baltic Sea.

This symposium is dedicated to them, our lost loved ones.  

Today, however, is not the time to indulge in sadness and regret.

The question, "What caused the sinking of Estonia?" is still an unanswered question and the reason we are here today.

We want the truth, justice,
and accountability.

The sense of closure and justice is not something that can be compensated, obtained, or given with money.

We need and deserve the answer that can only come from a full, fair, and complete investigation.

The sinking of Estonia is an open wound, which can't be healed until the Truth comes out.

This symposium is a tribute to our freedom of speech, an essential freedom guaranteed and respected by any nation that considers itself to be democratic and free.

What has become increasingly clear is that the thousands of human lives carried on Estonia were considered as human shields for criminal gangs who were involved in transporting secret shipments of Soviet military technology and weaponry to the west.

These criminal elements have used their ill-gotten wealth and power over their lackeys in the political and media elites to resist and prevent any further meaningful investigation of this unsolved crime.

I am very pleased that a number of leading Estonia experts and outspoken politicians accepted my invitation to come to Tallinn and speak at this symposium. I salute their courage and dedication to ongoing pursuit of the truth about the sinking of Estonia.

Today, we have the rare opportunity to hear them speak about their research and the circumstances surrounding Estonia 11 years after the sinking. We will be discussing the facts and forensic evidence, technical data, anomalies and some of the troublesome unanswered questions that we, the relatives of the victims, have every right to demand answers to.

I am humbled to see all of you here who have answered the call to be a witness of this unique public event.

Real love rejects fear. There is nothing to be afraid of when you are on the side of the truth.

Thank you!