06.05. 2010 World War II: Apologies for past crimes have to precede future victory parades. Tunne Kelam MEP
On May 9, 2010, the Kremlin leaders will celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Red Army's victory over Nazi Germany and leaders from all over Europe have been invited to
Five years ago, on May 11, 2005, the European Parliament reacted to a similar Kremlin-sponsored celebration by initiating a resolution on the consequences of WW II. The parliament concluded that "for some nations, the end of World War II meant renewed tyranny inflicted by the Stalinist Soviet Union.”
"The end of WW II in
Tragically for Central and
"The basic goal of the war – to defeat the Nazi Germany and its allies – was absolutely right. However, one should never forget that the launching of WW II was the result of the August 23, 1939 alliance between Stalin and Hitler. From the beginning, both dictatorships had similar long-term strategic goals – primary among these was world domination. These goals never changed during the course of the war or as a result of changing alliances. Although eventually an important partner in crushing Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union remains co-responsible for launching the very same war, the end of which
"Reunited Europe must remind
MEP Kelam reminded The European Parliament's “Resolution on European Conscience and Totalitarianism” (adopted in April 2009) concluded that reconciliation on crimes committed by Communist totalitarian regimes can be achieved only by "admitting responsibility, asking for forgiveness and fostering moral revival".
"In the future, the end of WW II in Europe should properly be celebrated in