Estonian MPs flew to India on November 20th. They met with the Tibetan government-in-exile. The trip included companions, such as Interior Minister’s advisor Kadri Napritson-Acuna.
Napritson-Acuna stated that she was traveling on vacation. She did not consider herself a representative of the state. However, her passport indicated she was a member of the delegation.
Travel companions noticed that three people drank too much. These were Juku-Kalle Raid, Marek Reinaas, and Kadri Napritson-Acuna. The trio did not deny it.
During an official meeting, the issue of Estonians’ alcohol consumption was discussed. Reinaas, Napritson-Acuna, and Raid were not present. The message reached them later in writing.
According to Õhtuleht, Estonians were told: "The Dalai Lama is old. He cannot tolerate the smell of alcohol and smoke. Be polite and do not drink or smoke on that day."
Reinaas said: "I believe these instructions were meant for all guests. It’s just protocol."
Napritson-Acuna wrote on social media. She stated that she was on vacation. She paid for the trip herself. She drank wine and tried local rum. She saw nothing wrong with it.
Interior Minister Igor Taro said: "One should relax on vacation. Usually, we eat and drink good wine."
Juku-Kalle Raid stated that the delegation did not drink before meeting the Dalai Lama. He said the meetings were proper. The opposite talk is false.