Havel denies signing an open letter criticizing Russia

Former Czech president Vaclav Havel has denied earlier reports that he signed an open letter attacking Russia's record on democracy and political freedom. Mr Havel said that although he had not signed the letter, he could sympathize with anyone pointing out the deep ambiguities of the Soviet liberation of Eastern Europe at the end of the war. The letter's 75 signatories include former prime ministers of Soviet bloc countries like Estonia, as well as current and former politicians from both Europe and the United States. It is to be published in the UK's Financial Times newspaper on May 9, to coincide with ceremonies in Moscow marking the end of the Second World War. The signatories accuse Russia of betraying the principles behind the victory against Nazi Germany 60 years ago.

Author: David Vaughan