"We were surprised to learn that on May 8 certain political forces plan to unveil a monument to SS men in Tallinn. This is blasphemy and yet another provocation, which will damage our relations", he said.
The Russian side is concerned about the extolling of Nazism and the condition of the Russian-speaking minority in Estonia. "We tried clear out the situation in Tallinn. We have found some reasons acceptable and others have only confirmed our concerns," the Russian parliamentarian said.
"Over 15 years of Estonian independence about 150,000 people have not gained citizenship. However, 50% of them were born in Estonia. This situation contradicts the EU general human rights policy," he stressed.
Mr. Kosachev draw attention to the recent initiative of the Estonian government for stepping up work of the language inspections, which will check the level of knowledge of the Estonian language of people with citizenship. "Checks will be made right at work and may threaten with disqualification those having an inadequate knowledge of Estonian, as inspectors may decide," the deputy said.
He stressed that this measure "contradicts the letter and spirit of Tallinn's declarations that the government promotes the integration of Russian speakers in Estonian society".
The visit of the Russian delegation to Tallinn was timely, Mr. Kosachev said. "There were many questions and mutual claims. Points of contact should better be sought in direct dialog. Our delegation was given top-level reception and this is very important,"he said.
"The discussion with the Estonian president was intense and we shall report on its contents to the Russian leadership," Mr. Kosachev said.
"No decision has yet been made on the Estonian president's visit to Moscow in May. We treat this with understanding and do not hasten the Estonian side," the Russian parliamentarian said.
He congratulated Estonians on the 87th anniversary of independence, marked on February 24. "In spite of all our differences, we do not deny this date," Mr. Kosachev stressed.
