Letter from Jorge San Martino, Buenos Aires City Congressman

Buenos Aires, May 8th , 2006

H.E. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin
President of the Russian Federation

Dear Mr. President,

As member of the Buenos Aires Congress, I have decided to address you in regard of the numerous bonds that tie my country, the Republic of Argentina, and the great Russian Nation.

Thousands of Russian citizens have became part of Argentina since their birth. Today, their culture and traditions are elemental ingredients of our national identity. Furthermore, due to the influence of the Russian religious tradition, we now have in Buenos Aires the most important and beautiful cathedral of he Russian Orthodox Church in Latin America.

Owing to these close liaisons I have decided to request your intervention in the resolution of a sad situation that has its origins in the past. I believe your gentile mediation could bring the much needed mitigation.

I am referring, Mr. President, to unveil the mysterious fortune of the Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg. He was a Swedish representative in Budapest, Hungary, arrested by the Soviet army in January 1945. Subsequent to this incident, his whereabouts have remained unknown.

In Argentina Raoul Wallenberg’s figure is renowned and respected. Recently, the Congress to which I belong has named a street with his name and has inaugurated a monument in his commemoration.

For all the reasons that I have exposed I beg you to intervene in order to elucidate this matter, hence tightening the bond that connects our nations.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely yours,

Jorge San Martino
Buenos Aires City Congressman

Translation: Ileana Cheszes

Original in Spanish