WASHINGTON, DC. — Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-19) issued the following statement in support of Estonia:

"I strongly condemn Russian actions and look forward to Russia's swift cooperation in respecting the sovereignty of Estonia. I call for an immediate end to the blockade of the Estonian Embassy in Moscow, as well as for the cancellation of all other attempts to undermine the Estonian government. If necessary, I am ready to raise this issue on the floor of the United States House."

Shimkus is co-chair of the Baltic Caucus and a U.S. delegate to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

The Estonian Embassy in Moscow has been under siege by demonstrators since April 26, and Russian authorities are not controlling the situation. Before making a visit to Estonia, a Russian Duma (parliament) delegation issued a statement that "the government must step down."

The Russians are also making cyber attacks against official Estonian websites. Estonia has also increased border security in order to stop pro-Putin extremists from entering the country.

(Office of John Shimkus, May 1, 2007)

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