Russia boycott grips Baltic press

Support for the boycott has split Estonian opinion (Postimees)

Lithuania and Estonia's decision not to attend celebrations in Moscow for the 60th anniversary of Nazi Germany's defeat has sparked a skirmish across the region's press.

Latvia's Diena describes its president's decision to attend as "risky", because of the wounds inflicted by the post-war Soviet annexation of their country.

But it says her risk paid off, and that President Vaira Vike-Freiberga will use the occasion to draw Western attention to the controversial meaning for Latvia of the date, 9 May 1945.

For Latvia's Lauku Avize, the issue is whether Russia will admit to the suffering caused to the Baltic people during the Stalin era.

"Our readers will have noticed that Russia's current government is doing everything it can to avoid admitting the Baltic countries were occupied... If Russia moves forward, it will sooner or later admit to the occupation."

Russia's government is doing everything it can to avoid admitting the Baltic countries were occupied Lauku Avize

Estonia's Postimees seizes on an opinion poll showing deep divisions within Estonia itself on President Arnold Ruutel's decision to spurn Moscow's invitation.

While 61% of Estonians back Mr Ruutel's decision, only 6.2% of non-Estonians, mainly ethnic Russians, support his boycott.

"In general, the opinions of Estonians and non-Estonians have been changing to be more alike. Now, however, we are seeing the same kind of picture as in 1999, when the Nato bombing of Kosovo brought about very drastic differences," the paper says.

'Honourable decision'

Papers in Lithuania are unanimously behind President Valdas Adamkus in his decision not to venture east.

"The invitation from Moscow sadly turned into a tool of blackmail and intimidation," says Lietuvos Zinios.

The invitation from Moscow sadly turned into a tool of blackmail and intimidation Lietuvos Zinios

Kauno Diena says the president would have found it hard to restore his authority had he gone, while Lietuvos Rytas says he took "an honourable decision which is in line with the interests of the Lithuanian state".

"In relations with Russian over the past 15 years, it is fair to say that Lithuania, whenever it has resolved not to intentionally provoke Moscow but has still displayed its firm stance, has always been a winner," the paper trumpets.

Selective memory?

There is a mixture of bitterness and resignation in the Russian press.

"Estonia," Gazeta argues, "whilst roundly condemning the policies of the USSR, at the same time prefers to forget about the crimes of fascism during World War II. This 'selective' memory led long ago to an upsurge of pro-Nazi sentiment in the country."

Estonia prefers to forget about the crimes of fascism during World War II Gazeta

Moskovskiy Komsomolets takes the view that the people of Estonia and Lithuania are "gripped by mixed feelings" about their leaders' diplomatic manoeuvrings.

But an editorial in Izvestiya tries to calm passions aroused by the landmark Victory Day anniversary.

It says it is "not worth continuing the argument, especially in a heated manner".

"Let those who do not wish to attend it celebrate their own holidays... We have different views of our past - and, evidently, our future."

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