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The message of the head of state read, in particular:
”On the anniversary of the so-called Kristallnacht, we once again appeal to the lessons of history where it is clear what disastrous consequences result from giving in to chauvinism and xenophobia, divisions in the international community and national selfishness. And after seven decades we continue to perceive the tragedy of the Jewish people as a global catastrophe and a bitter warning to current generations.
We have an obligation to not simply remember the past, but also to clearly acknowledge the dangers that inter-ethnic strife, racial intolerance and disregard for human dignity represent for the modern world. And the collapse of fascism is the most potent threat to all those who promote these dangerous ideas today, try to justify the crimes of the Nazis and spread revisionist interpretations of the Second World War. This is not only an affront to the memory of the fallen, but actually opens the way for the revival of hateful theories that breed mistrust between nations.
Today, on the International Day of Tolerance, the entire civilized world bows its head to the victims of Nazi barbarity whose experience was a tragic prologue to the Holocaust. I am sure that the progressive forces of the world will continue to do everything possible to ensure that this never happens again. And holding your commemorative evening represents another significant contribution to achieving this vital goal.“
The evening which honours the 70th anniversary of Kristallnacht is being held in Kaliningrad.
November 16, 2008