Vandalism damages diplomacy

RIGA - Tense relations between Russia and Latvia became further strained after vandals defaced the Latvian embassy in Moscow on Mar. 3.

"There were four young men with some kind of boxes filled with black stuff and then they tried to put it on the wall of the embassy," said Liga Bergmane, press secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"The wall was painted with this black stuff. After that, they left and the most interesting thing was the Russian guards didn't notice anything."

Bergmane said the sabotage was discovered by Latvian security guards who are posted inside the embassy and across the street.

She said it was the post inside the embassy who saw four young men carrying out the attack on the building, even though Russian law enforcement officials have not arrested anyone for causing the damage.

"It happened in the past, some cases of vandalism at the embassy. We can think that Russia is responsible for the embassy's security and they're not complying with their duties," said Bergmane.

Officials at the Latvian embassy have sent a diplomatic letter of protest to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, questioning why this incident happened and asking them to repair the building.

Bergmane said Russia responded to their protest and said it will take the necessary steps to find out what happened and who is responsible.

"Of course, we disapprove of such actions," said Vladimir Ivanov, press secretary for the Russian embassy in Latvia. "The investigation is going on and the Russian side is ready to find those people who are guilty of vandalism."

He said the official excuses for the attack, which he did not reveal, have been given and the Russian chief of protocol has personally apologized for the damage.

Bergmane could also not offer details about the excuses, saying they were delivered orally.

The vandalism came at a time when the countries have exchanged angry words about Latvia's prosecution and conviction of former Red Army soldiers such as Vasilijs Kononovs.

About 50 people rallied in front of the embassy on Feb. 21 demanding Latvia release Kononovs, while similar protests have been held previously.

Nevertheless, Bergmane said it's very difficult to say why the building was defaced.

"One could say they are left-wing Russian nationalists, but we don't have exact information. It's really an unpleasant incident,"

She did not know if the embassy had yet been repaired, but she remained optimistic.

"I hope they have started something. It's not a very pleasant situation to work in a black building."