Row erupts in Russia

15th April 2011

An international row has broken out over the new plaque laid by Russia at the site of last year’s Smolensk plane disaster.

In a move that cast a shadow over last Sunday’s national mourning, the Russian government caused an uproar by replacing the original plaque set down by Poland and removing all mention of the Katyn massacre that those who died were on their way to commemorate.

According to reports in the Polish press, the plaque had been removed by authorities who had claimed it was only in Polish and wanted it also inscribed in Russian.

But upon its return, the commemorative piece was left with only: “In remembrance of the 96 Poles including Polish President Lech Kaczynski ...