NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer
Photo: Ilya Pitalev
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NATO Backs Up Estonia in Conflict with Russia
NATO has released an official statement to express its complete support to Estonia in conflict with Russia, which sparkled once the Statue of Bronze Soldier was removed from Tonismägi Hill in downtown Tallinn to a military cemetery.
NATO expressed deep concern because of the threat to Estonian diplomats in Russia and due to rowdy protests staged near Estonia’s embassy in Moscow. NATO called on Russia to meet its commitments under the Vienna Convention and unblock the embassy. NATO SecGen Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said transferring the WW2 monument was internal affair of Estonia.
The European Union also urged Moscow to honor its obligations under diplomatic treaties and protect the Estonian embassy. European Commission spokeswoman Christiane Hohmann criticized violence at the embassy.
Activists of Nashi, Young Russia and Locals youth movements have been camping near Estonia’s embassy in Moscow for seven days running. The demand of the radical youth is moving the Bronze Soldier back to Tonismägi Hill.
The authorities are doing utmost so that the protesters won’t violate the laws, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov fired off in response to worldwide accusations.
www.kommersant.com
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