site.btaParliament Adopts Special Declaration in Memory of WW II Casualties, Victims

Parliament Adopts Special Declaration in Memory of  WW II Casualties, Victims

Sofia, May 8 (BTA) - The National Assembly Friday adopted a
special declaration in memory of the casualties and victims of
World War II. It also condemned demonstrations of xenophobia,
extremism and violence.
 
Parliament's declaration on the occasion of the 70th anniversary
 of Nazi Germany's capitulation and the Day of Europe was
supported by 141 MPs, while three MPs of the Bulgarian Socialist
 Party (BSP) and one independent MP were against.

The general text of the document, drafted and tabled by the
Foreign Policy Committee, was submitted by its Chair, Dzhema
Grozdanova.

The National Assembly of Bulgaria honours the memory of the
victims of World War II and the countries which won the victory
over Nazi Germany, the document says.

The declaration also expresses gratitude to the Bulgarian
soldiers who fought in the war and appeals for abstaining from
actions which could lead to new dividing lines in Europe.

The Bulgarian Parliament confirms its desire for unity, peace
and prosperity in Europe, as well as its determination to
continue to work for mutual respect, shared responsibility, the
freedom and security of all Bulgarian citizens. The document
also states support for the processes leading to unification in
Europe.

BSP Left Bulgaria, ABV, Ataka and independent MP Velizar Enchev
requested that texts they tabled be included in the declaration.
 

The socialists demanded that the contribution of anti-fascist
resistance in both Bulgaria and Europe be accounted for, as well
 as the adoption of a text appealing to other parliaments and
peoples against the resurrection of fascist movements. The BSP
also wanted the inclusion of a text whereby the National
Assembly expresses its attitude towards what the party leader
called acts of vandals desecrating monuments.

ABV suggested that the title of the declaration should be
changed to include "Day of Vicotry over Fascist Germany" instead
 of "Capitulation".

Ataka requested that Parliament include a special sentence
condemning the refusal of President Rosen Plevneliev to
participate in the celebrations on May 9 in Moscow and insisted
that it note that not a single Bulgarian soldier has fought on
the Eastern Front against the Soviet Army.