Fradkov blasts idea of Russian compensation for Estonia

The question of Russia paying compensation to Estonia for damage allegedly done when it was part of the Soviet Union cannot be raised, Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov told reporters in Tallinn on Sunday. Fradkov emphasized that Russia is aware of Estonia's intention to seek such compensation and is "dealing with this issue." "I don't think this issue will be raised [during Fradkov's visit to Estonia]," he said. Fradkov stressed that Russia intends to defend the interests of the Russian-speaking population in the Baltic states. "We will not ignore it if our interests are infringed upon or discriminated against," he said.