Putin says Washington told leaders not to attend World War Two parade
Source: Reuters
Putin says Washington told leaders not to attend World War Two parade
MOSCOW
(Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin accused Washington on Thursday of putting pressure on some world leaders not to attend events in Russia marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War Two in Europe.
Russia will stage a military parade on May 9 in what Putin called a display of "respect for victims of Nazis and to pay tribute to the ... victors over Nazism". However, many world leaders have declined to attend because of Moscow's backing for separatist rebels in Ukraine.
Asked at his annual phone-in whether Russia should be offended by those who have declined invitations, Putin said "whoever doesn't want to (join) can do as they please".
"This is the personal choice of every political leader and the decision of the country they represent," he said. "Some are unwilling to do so and some are prohibited to do so by the "Washington Obkom" and told they should not go -- although many would like to."
Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/04/16/us-russia-putin-ww-idUSKBN0N71M420150416
There was a question and answer session yesterday in Moscow which is why these news articles are coming out.
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