New Estonian defense minister appointed

Estonian President Arnold Ruutel has appointed Prime Minister Juhan Parts's nominee Jaak Joeruut as the country's new defense minister. Joeruut replaced Margus Hanson, who was dismissed at his own request. Joeruut's candidacy was approved by the Party of Reforms, which owns the post of defense minister under a coalition agreement, the Republic Party and the People's Union, which are members of the ruling coalition.