Lavrov urges solution of "non-citizens" problem in Estonia, says heroization of Nazism impermissible
MOSCOW. Feb 18 (Interfax) - Russia has reminded Estonia about the need for the accelerated solution of the "non-citizens" problem, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said after negotiations with his Estonian counterpart Urmas Paet.
He said they did not close the eyes to complex problems that lingered in bilateral relations.
"We reaffirmed our position in favor of the fulfillment of recommendations from various international organizations, such as the OSCE and the Council of Europe, recommendations connected to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which relate to the accelerated solution of the problem of non-citizens that still exists in Estonia and Latvia," Lavrov said.
Teaching the Russian language in Estonia was also on the agenda.
"We would like to avoid the appearance of any artificial obstacles to those who wish to study in that language," Lavrov said.
Backslides into the "heroization of Nazism in Europe" were discussed, too, he added.
"Alas, this phenomenon occurs in many countries of the European Union," Lavrov stated.
He reminded the press about the Russian position, according to which the lessons of history, World War II, the Nuremberg Tribunal and the founding of the UN should be learned "primarily to prevent the repetition of tragic mistakes and to ensure the complete implementation of the decisions made at the UN and OSCE summits", as well as at the Russia-NATO Council regarding the creation of a single space of peace, security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic region.
