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U.S. backs Estonia amid ongoing war memorial dispute with Russia
TALLINN/MOSCOW, May 3 (RIA Novosti) - The United States backed Estonia Thursday in its escalating dispute with Russia over the removal of a Soviet war memorial, saying it was the Baltic state's internal affair and urging dialogue.Deputy State Department spokesman Tom Casey said: ''We have urged the Estonian and Russian governments to maintain dialogue and respect for the strong feelings on both sides.'' Casey also expressed concern ''about continuing reports of violence and harassment, including harassment of Estonian diplomatic personnel and premises, in Moscow.'' The Estonian Embassy in Moscow has been under siege by pro-Kremlin youth activists since the removal last week of a statue to Red Army soldiers killed in World War II, regarded in Russia as a "desecration" of their memory. The Baltic state has formerly complained of threats to the security of its diplomatic staff. ''We urge authorities in Moscow to do everything possible to reduce tensions, to carry out their responsibilities under the Vienna Convention concerning diplomatic premises and diplomats, and to avoid harsh words and escalation,'' Casey said. Protesters have torn down a flag from the embassy building, blocked the ambassador's car at the entrance, and on Wednesday they attempted to disrupt a news conference with Ambassador Marina Kaljurand. 'attempted'? Her bodyguards had to use pepper spray on the attackers. Posted by: mrp 2007-05-03 |
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