ESTONIAN COMPENSATIONThe St. Petersburg Times [Russia]

The St. Petersburg Times [Russia]
Friday, April 8, 2005

(TALLINN-SPT) - Estonia says a compromise is possible on the issue of compensation for what it call its occupation b the Soviets, Interfax reported Tuesday.

Asked about Estonia's claims against Russia for cash compensation if Russia, the successor to the Soviet Union, recognizes the occupation and offers an apology, Estonian Foreign Minister Rein Lang, said "this is a matter for interstate negotiations."

"We cannot agree with Russia's position that Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania joined the Soviet Union voluntarily," he said. "But if Russia is prepared to recognize historical truth, we do not rule out the search for a compromise solution on the compensation issue."