Estonia Fears Bronze Soldier
// Authorities do not hurry to demolish monument to Soldier-Liberator
Estonia’s parliament postponed yesterday passing the law “About demolishing prohibited constructions” which would allow to pull down the monument to Soviet Soldier-Liberator in Tallinn. The anti-Bronze-Soldier campaign was suspended due to the sharp criticism of the actions of Estonian authorities both inside the country, and in Russia and Europe.
Estonian parliament was discussing yesterday the notorious draft law “About demolishing prohibited constructions” against the background of protests organized by several Russian-speaking organizations. Moreover, Estonian authorities received criticism from PACE which now has its winter session in Strasbourg. Vatican expressed perplexity about Tallinn’s actions as well.
Meanwhile, Estonian Prime Minister Andrus Ansip being on a visit to Great Britain had to answer questions about the monument’s fate. He said no one is going to demolish it.
Member of the Estonian Reform Party Raivo Jarvi said that “only ‘homo sovieticus’ are for preserving the Bronze Soldier, while true Russians can gather by the monument to Russian Emperor’s battleship Mermaid. This statement heightened the discussion even more. Finally, tired Estonian deputies decided to stop the bill’s second hearing and sent it for revision.
Alexander Shegedin, Tallinn; Sergei Strokan
All the Article in Russian as of Jan. 25, 2007
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