MINSK, 22 June (BelTA) – The presidents of Germany and Austria will take part in a ceremony to unveil a monument in the Trostenets Memorial Complex near Minsk, Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei said during the 10th round of information ministerial dialogues of the Eastern Partnership countries on 22 June, BelTA has learned.
“It is symbolic that our meeting is taking place at a time when Belarus is commemorating the victims of the Second World War that broke out on this very day 77 years ago. In a week the Belarusian president will unveil the monument in the Trostenets Memorial Complex near Minsk where over 250,000 people from all over Europe, mostly Jews, were exterminated by the Nazis. Taking part in the ceremony will be the presidents of Germany and Austria,” Vladimir Makei informed.
“Our losses in that war constantly remind us of the price for peace and stability in Europe. However, these highest values are under threat now,” the minister noted.
Vladimir Makei urged Europe to stop the blame game, overcome old grievances and start a dialogue towards peaceful resolution and better mutual understanding. “This is the only way to avoid a new cold war and to create a really united Europe,” he added.
