The refusal of Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to come to Moscow for the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the victory "is deplorable" but it "will not spoil the holiday," it is believed in the State Duma, lower house of Russian parliament.

Deputy speaker of the State Duma Georgy Boos who is on the Russo-Japanese Panel of Wise Men deplored the decision of the Japanese premier. "The victory day is an important event for all. This is the day to manifest remembrance and grief," he said. He pointed out that the leaders of many countries, among them the German chancellor, would take part in the celebrations in Moscow.

Mikhail Grishankov, the chairman of the Security Committee of the State Duma, believes Koizumi's refusal may have a negative effect on his image. "Russia will lose nothing if the Japanese premier does not come to Moscow. This is our great holiday and no one can spoil it," he said.

Lyubov Sliska, the first deputy speaker of the State Duma, goes along with this view. "We have sent invitations to many foreign leaders," she said. "If someone does not want to come we will not be upset."

Source: Itar-Tass