Russia to cut Estonia fuel transit amid statue row

By Olesya Dmitracova

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Deliveries of Russian oil products to Estonia may be disrupted, Russia's state railway operator said on Wednesday against the backdrop of a furious political row with the Baltic state over a World War Two monument.

Russian state railways said planned maintenance on the railway link could lead to disruption in the delivery of oil products. Russia has in the past been accused of using its energy resources as a political weapon against its neighbors.

"We haven't imposed any economic sanctions against Estonia and have no plans to do so. But from May 1, we plan repair works. We therefore plan to change the delivery schedule," said a spokeswoman for Russian state railways.

Russia supplies fuel oil, diesel and gasoline by rail to Estonia. Most of it is then re-exported to markets in northern Europe from Estonia's Baltic Sea ports.

Also on Wednesday pro-Kremlin youths stormed a news conference where Estonia's ambassador was to appear. Her bodyguards sprayed a gas to disperse the protesters.

The bitter row over the relocation of the statue of a Red Army soldier has provoked riots in Estonia's capital and triggered a six-day protest outside the embassy in Moscow that diplomats say amounts to a blockade.

The European Commission voiced concern and said the EU, of which Estonia is a member, would raise the matter with Russia.

"A dispassionate dialogue is recommended in the highly emotional situation with regard to the Soviet war graves in Estonia," the EU presidency said in a statement.

About 25 demonstrators shouting "shame on Estonia" and "fascism will not be allowed" burst into the hall where Estonian ambassador Marina Kaljurand was expected to speak to reporters.

A Reuters reporter at the scene said gas was sprayed, bringing on fits of coughing in anyone who inhaled it.

"ATTACK ON THE EU"

Estonian Prime Minister Andrus Ansip discussed the protests in Moscow by telephone with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, whose nation holds the rotating presidency of the EU.

"This is a well-coordinated and flagrant intervention with the internal affairs of Estonia," Ansip told parliament.

"We have turned to the European Union and we ask them to take immediate action. Attacking one member state means an attack against the entire European Union," he added.

The row began last week when Estonia's government moved the Red Army statue from central Tallinn to a cemetery, saying it created a public order risk.