By Olga Kurlovskaya
The 4th International Destruction of Cities and Villages in Europe during WWII Congress is being organised in mid-May at the Belarusian State Museum of Great Patriotic War History. “For the first time within the CIS, the event is being hosted by the country which suffered the greatest loss during the struggle against Fascism. Ten states have already confirmed their participation in the congress, with over 80 applications received (half from Western European and CIS states),” emphasises Ms. Katkova.
The event is organised in Europe at Germany’s initiative every two years. It first took place in 2006 in Germany and, in 2008, the Czech Republic hosted the event. It then took place in Slovakia in 2010. This year, the event includes a conference entitled Civil Population in War — dedicated to mutual understanding and peaceful co-existence of nations.
The event is unique in inviting young people to take part in its second stage (the first features historians, political analysts, sociologists, lawyers and museum employees). The second will see students discussing the Youth and Children during WWII topic, while some will receive awards for a contest previously organised for those aged 12-16 for the best drawing, literary and multimedia projects.
“Four generations will meet at the forum: veterans of the Great Patriotic War and witnesses of the Nazis’ destruction of settlements, the middle-aged, students and children,” adds Ms. Katkova.
