President Putin addresses German Veterans of anti-hitler coalition

Russian President Vladimir Putin has addressed the Association of German Resistance Veterans, the armed forces of countries of the anti-Hitler coalition and the Free Germany movement on the 10th anniversary of the organisation.

The Russian presidential press service reported on Thursday that the letter of congratulations read in part:

"Russia cherishes the memory of those who made a contribution to the liberation of humanity from Hitlerism, those who found strength and courage to counteract the anti-humanist regime of the Nazi. We pay homage to the deed of internationalists who fought shoulder to shoulder with soldiers of the anti-Hitler coalition for the sake of peace, freedom and prosperity of European nations.

"The high mission of German anti-fascist veterans has not lost its actuality even though over 50 years have passed since the end of World War II. Those who will have to build 21st-century Europe should know and remember about it.

"Nowadays attempts are being made to rewrite the history. I am sure it is especially essential not to forget the reason for the most sanguinary war, which inflicted numerous sufferings on Europe, the German people included, and to prevent the review of the fundamental international law principles of the post-war world system.

"Today the relations between Russia and Germany are rapidly developing on the basis of mutual interests in the maintenance of peace and stability in a single and indivisible Europe. German anti-fascist veterans who, risking their lives, made a priceless contribution to the liberation of our continent from hatred and enmity for good play a great role in the process of historical reconciliation between our countries.