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World War II anniversary rubs salt in old wounds

Russia and the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are locked in a diplomatic row over festivities to mark the end of World War II.

The Kremlin has invited the presidents of the three states to Moscow on May 9 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany. It has also invited world leaders including German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, who would be the first German leader to attend such an anniversary in Moscow.

However, the Baltic leaders are coming under intense public pressure not to attend an event that also marks the start of the region's forced subjugation to Moscow.

The Red Army occupied the three countries during the second world war after fierce fighting with nationalists. In 1941, Nazi Germany invaded and thousands of volunteers from the Baltic states joined German units in an attempt to fend off the Soviet advance.

The era remains deeply sensitive for the three countries, not least because many residents collaborated in the Nazi massacres of Jews.

Moscow argues that its occupation liberated the Baltics from Nazi tyranny.

The Baltic countries did not break free from Moscow's embrace until the break-up of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s.

For many in the three states, which have all joined the EU and NATO, the thought of their leaders bowing and scraping in the Kremlin is too much to bear. Wary of a domestic backlash, the presidents of Latvia and Estonia are considering a boycott of the celebrations.

Estonian President Arnold Ruutel consulted members of parliament last week and said his decision must "preserve Baltic unity." He said he might send Prime Minister Juhan Part, in his place in what would be seen as a snub to Moscow.

Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus has said he will not answer Moscow's invitation until it is "strategically convenient" for the country.

A poll in Lithuania last week showed 34 percent of people thought he should refuse the visit. Opposition politicians are campaigning against the trip.

President Vaira Vike-Freiberga of Latvia has agreed to travel but infuriated Moscow with the prediction that, "on May 9, Russian people will place a Caspian roach on a newspaper, drink vodka, sing folk songs, and recall how they heroically conquered the Baltics."

In Germany, opposition politicians have suggested it would be better for Schroder to avoid a parade by the Red Army, which, they say, brought about the division of Germany.

Tatyana Zhdanok, member of the European Parliament from Latvia's Russian-speaking community, said the president had no desire to attend the Moscow events but had capitulated under EU pressure.

"It would be better for her to stay at home if she does not want honestly to join the celebrations," Zhdanok said. "She will only use the anniversary as a platform to claim the Red Army occupied Latvia rather than liberating it."

In an attempt to sweeten the May 9 visit, Russia is offering to finalize border agreements and sign a declaration on shared objectives with the Baltic leaders the next day.

But President Vladimir Putin warned: "We are extending a hand of friendship. Whether it will be taken, shaken or not does not depend on us."
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