Moscow: Estonian Consulate Closed Amid Escalating Tensions

Russian youths attack ambassador

The escalating conflict between Estonia and Russia over Soviet-era war memorials has led to the Estonian government closing its consulate in Moscow and evacuating family members and non-essential staff.

Estonian Ambassador Marina Kaljurand was reportedly attacked by members of the pro-Kremlin Nashi youth group as she gave an interview. Bodyguards fended the youths off with pepper spray.

Other protestors also allegedly attacked an Estonian displomatic car and a vehicle containing the Swedish ambassador in Moscow, where nationalists have set up an encampment across from the Estonian embassy.  

The violence stems from an Estonian government decision to relocate a Soviet war monument and a Red Army grave from the downtown of the capital of Tallinn. Massive rioting consumed Tallinn after ethnic Russians protested the decision.

European Union officials have sided with Estonia, which the Kremlin sees as part of an overall plan to isolate and contain Russia.

Image: The “Bronze Soldier” was taken out of downtown TallinnEthnic Russians, who today make up about one-third of the population, were settled in Estonia after the Second World War, when Estonia was incorporated into the Soviet Union. Since independence in 1991, a series of ongoing conflicts between the two populations has maintained strong tensions.

http://www.wvwnews.net/story.php?id=514

2007-05-02