RIGA - The Russian Federation has introduced a resolution condemning the glorification of Waffen SS legionnaires in the U.N.'s human rights committee, coinciding with an EU move to condemn rights violations by Russian military in the break away republic of Chechnya.
The Russian resolution criticizes the creation of memorials to Nazi collaborators and condemns an "atmosphere of acceptance and whitewashing," the Associated Press reported.
While the resolution put forward by Russia does not specifically mention Latvia, analysts said that it is specifically directed toward the Baltic state, which had two divisions with approximately 115,000 soldiers, many of whom were conscripts who fought with the Nazis against the Soviet Union during the World War II.
Russia has repeatedly criticized the Latvian legion since the Baltic country regained independence and former members of the military unit began organizing marches in memory of those who died during the war.
The September 2003 opening of a cemetery for 11,000 soldiers in Lestene, the first of its kind, was also condemned by Russia, Israel and the Simon Wiesenthal Center.
Despite the move by Russia to condemn the legion there was no response from Latvian officials.
"Until we are mentioned specifically, we have nothing to do with it," Artis Pabriks, chairman of the Latvian Parliament's foreign affairs commission, was quoted by the LETA news agency as saying.
Critics of the resolution said it was merely an attempt to distract attention from Russia's ongoing war in Chechnya.
The European Union on April 9 tabled a draft resolution condemning human rights abuses by Russian military in Chechnya. The resolution drew angry denials from Russian officials, who claimed it was "politicized" and would support terrorism and aide rebels.
Four human rights groups - Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, the Memorial Human Rights Center and the Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture - have supported the EU's position and have also called on the Russian military, separatist rebels and pro-Moscow Chechens to cease violating the rights of ordinary Chechens.
The 53-member U.N. human rights committee usually deals with current human rights concerns.
