A Russian World War II veteran who has sent a letter to U.S. President Barack Obama asking to emigrate has refused to accept a place in special housing in St. Petersburg while he waits for an answer from Washington.
Anton Karavanets participated in the liberation of American prisoners of war in the Chinese city of Mukdenat at the end of World War II, and he later refused an invitation to emigrate to the United States. After 65 years he wrote a letter to the president the U.S. asking for help.
"If I am offered to move to a nursing home, then I will refuse," the 83-year-old told RIA Novosti. "In my old age I would like to live like a human being, in a separate apartment."
Karavanets lived in Siberia but after his wife died he moved to the Leningrad Region to join his son, but he had to rent a flat as personal circumstances had led his son to sell his apartment.
Under local legislation, the veteran cannot be provided with a flat as he has lived in the region for less than 10 years. However, Karavanets required medical treatment and the authorities in St. Petersburg offered him a place in a special residential complex that caters for elderly people.
The authorities also offered to help Karavanets travel to meet fellow-soldiers from the United States and China.
Oleg Karavanets, the veteran's son, said he would gladly to let his father go to the United States as he believes that old people are treated much better there.
The father and son are waiting for a reply from the U.S. president, hoping for his help.
ST. PETERSBURG, May 6 (RIA Novosti)
