Meri, Lennart (1929–2006)

Estonian politician, president 1992–2001. He was active in the independence movement in the 1980s and became the founder and director of the Estonian Institute in 1989. He served as minister for foreign affairs 1990–92, and became president in 1992.

Born in Tallinn, Meri was deported to Siberia together with his family 1941–46. Educated at Tartu University, he worked for Estonian Radio and as a scriptwriter. He was director of Tallinnfilm and served as the secretary of the Estonian Writers' Association.