Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, September 28, 1995 TAG: 9509280046
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: MOSCOW LENGTH: Short
It's a mutual admiration society: David Duke, a former Klan leader, and Vladimir Zhirinovsky, Russia's most strident ultranationalist.
``Zhirinovsky once called me his favorite American politician,'' Duke said Wednesday. He laughed. ``I don't know if it's a compliment or not.''
The Louisiana Republican said he met with Zhirinovsky for more than an hour Tuesday. He said they have a lot in common.
``We're nationalists,'' he said. ``And Zhirinovsky is very protective of what you might call the white race.''
Duke came to Moscow seeking help for a Louisiana missionary, Charles Songe, who is in trouble with provincial Russian authorities for alleged currency violations. He has been under house arrest since May in Saransk, Russia.
``Zhirinovsky promised to do everything in his power to help,'' Duke said.
Songe apparently didn't appreciate Duke's effort.
``He's frankly worried to death about it,'' said Ken Johnson, a spokesman for Rep. Billy Tauzin, R-La., who is working to obtain Songe's release.
Johnson said he called Songe to tell him about Duke's presence.
``We are well on our way to resolving this matter diplomatically. The last thing we need is for a cowboy to get involved,'' Johnson said Wednesday.
``If David Duke messes this up, then maybe our next offer will be a prisoner exchange - Duke for Songe.''
by CNB