European Parliament deputies boycott Putin's invitation to celebrate Russia's victory over fascism

The persona of the Russian president is apparently a thorn in the side of certain deputies of the European Parliament

It seems that no one would ever think of celebrating Austria's joining Nazi Germany. However, absurd ideas may occur to politicians at times, to the deputies of the European parliament in particular. There are not many of such officials nowadays, although it is not ruled out that they may grow in number in the near future.

Estonian deputy Tunne Kelama delivered a speech at a session of the European Parliament several days ago. The deputy called upon the parliament to give a political estimation to the coming celebration of the 60th anniversary since Russia's victory over fascism (on May 9th 2005, the Russian nation will celebrate 60 years since the end of WWII). The speech from the Estonian deputy inspired many of his colleagues: 93 parliamentarians signed a letter to boycott President Putin's invitation to many world leaders to attend festive celebrations in Moscow, news agency Regnum reports.

The persona of the Russian president is apparently a thorn in the side of certain deputies of the European Parliament. Tunne Kelama will definitely not be alone at this point. The above-mentioned letter was initiated by Vitautas Landsbergis from Lithuania, Aldis Kushkis from Latvia and Christopher Bizli from Great Britain. The British deputy has probably found himself in the company in order not to make it look too Baltic.

As the letter from the deputies of the European Parliament runs, the participation of world leaders in Victory Day's top level festive undertakings in Moscow on May 9th will become the recognition of the Soviet Union's occupation and the crimes committed by the communist regime. This seems to be an issue of great concern to certain “reasonable” deputies of the European Parliament, although one may doubt if they have any reason at all.