Tallinn and Moscow should show respect for the memory of the fallen soldiers – and for each other

I met the Estonian and the Russian ambassadors to the Council of Europe last week, and they presented me with the official position of their respective governments on the regrettable and unnecessary dispute over the monument to fallen Soviet soldiers in Estonia. I listened to both and, on the whole, agreed with both. The problem is that in both countries, the reality seems to elude the reason and the restraint which permeate the carefully worded diplomatic messages. The controversy is escalating because some people, from both sides, seem to be trying to exploit the situation for political purposes.

I condemn the vandalism and looting which we have witnessed in the streets of Tallinn and Moscow. It is totally unacceptable. In a democracy, vandalism is no way to express an opinion, and looting in the name of the memory of fallen soldiers is blasphemous. It is time to act with more dignity, restraint and respect, both for each other and for the past, however controversial the past may be.

I understand the reasons why the Estonian authorities have decided to move the remains of these soldiers, but I have some reservations about the way it has been done. Politicians and the public in Estonia should draw conclusions from these events and accept that on such delicate and potentially divisive matters, even the best intentioned initiatives may backfire if they are not prepared, discussed and implemented with appropriate sensitivity. After all, this is not only a spat between Estonia and its neighbour. It is a fact that a large number of people living in Estonia were also opposed to moving the monument, and their feelings should have been taken into account.

The Estonian authorities have assured me that they acted out of respect for the fallen soldiers, and that it is not a matter of settling old scores. I believe them, but others are more sceptical. And the way the situation has been handled provides the sceptics with an opportunity to raise some difficult issues about the prevailing views and attitudes towards World War II.

As for the Russian authorities, they are clearly entitled to have a view, but they should be more respectful and less emotional in how they express their opinions. They should abstain from threats and pressure against their neighbour, and they should be careful not to encourage or give an excuse, even inadvertently, for aggressive attitudes against Estonia in Russian public opinion. I condemn any attempt to soil the memory of those who died in fighting the Nazis, but the Russian Federation should also show greater understanding for the painful memories associated with the Soviet presence in Estonia after the war.

Estonia and Russia have different perceptions of their recent history. They are both members of the Council of Europe and can benefit from our programmes on history teaching as a means of reconciliation between and within countries in Europe. Whatever differences the two countries may have, they should be resolved through dialogue between equals, based on mutual respect.

When it comes to respect for fallen soldiers, we can find inspiration in the words of the Turkish leader Atatürk, who wrote: “you, the mothers who sent their sons from faraway countries, wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land, they have become our sons as well.” Atatürk was paying a tribute to the soldiers from Australia and New Zealand who died in the First World War in Gallipoli fighting the Turkish Army, but his words should apply to all fallen soldiers, those who will now find peace in the Siselinna cemetery in Tallin, and the hundreds of thousands of others who have been killed in Europe’s wars and laid to rest in countries others than their own.

This week, Europe will celebrate the 62nd anniversary of the victory against Nazism. I understand the Estonian authorities have chosen this anniversary for a ceremony commemorating the monument at its new location. I welcome the choice of date because it places the symbol of the Bronze Soldier in its proper context – the liberation of Europe. I also believe that it is an ideal opportunity to end this dispute and pay proper respect to those who died so that we can live in freedom.

Terry Davis
Secretary General of the Council of Europe