TALLINN - Relations between Russia, Estonia and the EU have been on the rocks lately, due in large part to the bronze statue controversy.
A series of recent statements and planned events by both Estonia and Russian authorities have highlighted this rift. Igor Ivanov, Russian secretary of the Security Council, said on April 18 that Russia plans to try to keep the spotlight on the bronze soldier 's a red army monument in downtown Tallinn 's which he said signifies the glorification of Nazism in Estonia. Ivanov said that they were prepared to use the wide variety of means at their disposal to accomplish this, including "all legal norms and mechanisms arising from our common membership in one or another intenational organization."
"I don't think the arsenal we have at our disposal is limited," Ivanov said. "We shall carry on this work in various international organizations and on the bilateral level."
The Russian community in Tallinn has been galvanized into action by the bronze soldier row. Veterans of the Soviet army are planning a flower laying ceremony on May 9 to commemorate their fellow soldiers. Meanwhile, members of Nochnoi Dozor (Night Watch), a informal group of mostly young Russian-speakers set up to defend a Red Army monument in downtown Tallinn, are going to Strasbourg to stage a picket in defense of the monument.
Estonian MEP Tunne Kelam expressed concern with Russia's trends away from European values. "Repeated expressions of concern about the reversal of democratic development (in Russia) make no impact if they do not carry the EU's clear message that we cannot proceed with certain issues if other questions remain without an answer," he said.
Mart Laar, chairman of the Pro Patria and Res Publica Union Faction of Estonian parliament, said on April 18 that the long entertained hope that Russia would in time develop into a law-governed state has been foiled. He said that Russia is trying to use Europe's lack of solidarity to play member states against one another.
The president of the European Parliament, Hans-Gert Poettering, also thought that this was a large issue with Russia, arguing that best and most tangible remedy for Russia-related apprehensions is the EU's rallying for a common and solidaristic policy.
Meanwhile, in an effort to help improve relations, Estonian Interior Minister Juri Pihl will take part in a meeting to be held in Luxembourg on Thursday and Friday is to make a decision on the EU-Russian readmission treaty and easing of the issuance of short-term visas.
