The plenary meeting of the 69th Session of the UN General Assembly held in New York on February 26 adopted by consensus upon the initiative of the Russian Federation the resolution “Seventieth Anniversary of the End of the Second World War.” The Russian draft was coauthored by an impressive number of states, 83, from all regions of the world.
The approval of this resolution continues the UN tradition to celebrate each quinquennial anniversary of the end of WW II. The document reflects the idea to hold a special solemn meeting of the General Assembly in May 2015 dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the Great Victory.
The resolution also refers to the 2004 decision to declare May 8 and 9 as a time of remembrance and reconciliation, calling on all UN member states, UN agencies, non-governmental organisations, and private individuals to mark these days in tribute to the memory of all victims of WW II.
In advancing this initiative, the Russian Federation proceeded from the importance of remembering the lessons of that grievous war, revering the memory of the dead, and helping to keep the historical memory of these people. Perceiving the victory won in 1945 as mankind’s common value is of much importance for rallying the international community in dealing with challenges and threats to international peace and security, with the United Nations playing a central role, on the basis of equality and mutual respect.
