Sergei Ivanov advises Russians to shun Estonia (18)
Archived Articles | 10 Apr 2007  | Adu RaudkiviEWR
The "Bronze Soldier" affair, where the Russian version of the "Unknown Soldier", now planted in the middle of Tallinn is about to be moved to a cemetery, is continuing to heat up relations between Estonia and Russia, reports the BBC.

"I'm calling for a boycott," First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Sergei Ivanov told armed forces veterans in Moscow on April 3rd. "It is not a question of state sanctions. I'm talking about the individual's stance. Don't buy Estonian food, don't go on a holiday in Estonia, go to Kaliningrad instead for a holiday."

For the years of Estonian re-independence the Bronze Soldier, a symbol of brutal soviet repression has been a slap in the face to most Estonians.

The move to the graveyard, passed by the Parliament, was vetoed by President Toomas Hendrik Ilves. However it has been indicated that Prime Minister Andrus Ansip might yet push it through.

Since Ivanov is well in the lead in the running for President (current President Vladimir Putin is not allowed another term in office by the Russian constitution), this makes whatever he says quite important and not just posturing.

Ivanov also said Russia should complete construction of the Ust-Luga port on the Baltic as soon as possible, "so as not to fatten the budget of Estonia, in whose ports 85% of the cargo is Russian."
 

Viimased kommentaarid

Kommentaarid on kirjutatud EWR lugejate poolt. Nende sisu ei pruugi ühtida EWR toimetuse seisukohtadega.
M16 Apr 2007 09:36
Harper is closing the Canadian Embassy to the Baltics in Riga.
I guess that goes to show how much importance the current Canadian government places on Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, despite being active NATO partners.
Sounds like he's closing the offices in Tallinn too.
M16 Apr 2007 07:54
Email me at the above.
If you're in Toronto we could meet to discuss.
Maxim.16 Apr 2007 01:43
Sounds fine by me-it would reduce the heat surrounding the issue, and would give latitude to go ahead and do something in Estonia's interests at the same time. Who do we approach about forwarding the plan?

Loe kõiki kommentaare (18)

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