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Estonia Set to Do Away with All WWII Monuments
Estonia’s parliament on Tuesday passed the second reading of the controversial bill which would sanction the removal of a monument to Soviet soldiers in the capital of Tallinn. Estonian lawmakers have also adopted a draft to rename the Day of the Liberation of Tallinn from Fascists as a day of mourning in a clear defiance of harsh criticism from Russia and Europe.
Russian officials, the PACE and Vatican have expressed their concern over plans to adopt the Law on the Protection of War Burial Sites” which would make it possible to pull down any monument which is considered to be situated in an inappropriate public place.
The bill was re-drafted following the criticism but strangely even more radical articles have been added. The Pro Patria party drew up an amendment urging authorities to pull down the monument to the Soviet Liberator Warrior “within 30 days after it has come into legal effect”. The amendment as well as the bill itself was adopted at the parliament’s session on Tuesday.
The third reading is to be held on Thursday. The parliament will also consider amendments which would rename September 22 – the date marked as Tallinn Liberation Day – as a day of mourning for the solders of Nazi-loyal armies who perished defending Estonia from Russia’s invasion.
Estonia has thus clearly decided to ignore the uproar which has sparkled in Europe in reaction to attempts to “re-write” history. Prime Minister Andrus Ansip seems to be determined to keep his promise and remove the Bronze Soldier by the Independence Day on February 24.
www.kommersant.com
All the Article in Russian as of Feb. 14, 2007
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