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Today, on May 29, 2020, the International Online Conference “Kazakhstan: Historical Memory Policy” was held in the House of Friendship in Nur-Sultan (Kazakhstan).
Participants of the conference were welcomed by the First Deputy Secretary General - Head of the General Secretariat of the Eurasian Peoples’ Assembly, Chairman of the Council of the Assembly of peoples of Russia, Doctor of Political Science Svetlana Smirnova.
Taking this opportunity, Svetlana Smirnova congratulated the participants of the conference and all Kazakhstan people on the 25th anniversary of the Assembly of people of Kazakhstan.
“The Assembly of people of Kazakhstan is a unique institution of people's diplomacy and interethnic relations, a vivid example for Eurasia and the whole world, how in a short historical period it is possible to unite a single people from different ethnic groups, while preserving the identity of each.
The main ideologist of the Eurasian unity and the main initiator of steps that meet modern trends for rapprochement and cooperation of the peoples of the continent is Nursultan Abishevich Nazarbayev.
“The idea of Eurasianship, revived by him, represents a new rethink of the world in the system of modern realities and carries an inspiring perspective”, - said Svetlana Smirnova.
As one of the leaders of the Eurasian Peoples’ Assembly, she spoke about the history of this organization and emphasized the role of the Assembly of people of Kazakhstan in this process, and also reported that the Assembly of people of Kazakhstan, Assembly of the peoples of Russia and the Eurasian Peoples’ Assembly are involved in joint projects. In particular, the Assembly of peoples of Russia and the Eurasian Peoples’ Assembly are ready to work together with the Assembly of people of Kazakhstan to search for mass graves, restore the names of the dead, and, if necessary, to rehabilitate them; support the creation of Museum and memorial centers.
“In these may days, the peoples of Russia and Kazakhstan remember the joint feat of their grandfathers and fathers who defeated fascism 75 years ago. They were fighting side by side, knowing that without this stand-off they would not defend freedom and independence of the whole state, as well as of one’s homeland, wherever it was, in the Voronezh Region or in the Aktau foothills. The names of Kazakhstani people were inscribed on the Reichstag walls, along with the names of other nations’ representatives, - Svetlana Smirnova continued her speech. - It is symbolic that the anniversary of the Assembly of people of Kazakhstan falls in the year of the 75th anniversary of the Great Victory. It is such great holidays that unite all people living on Earth, positively affect the peoples’ worldview, their life ideas and aspirations, and form values and ideals common for all of us".
First Deputy Secretary General of the Eurasian Peoples’ Assembly paid special attention to thorny historical issues and issues of youth education:
“Unfortunately, the world history is not just fanfare of victories, there are pages in it that one would like to forget, but it is impossible! May 31 in Kazakhstan, October 30 in the Russian Federation is the Remembrance Day for Victims of Political Repression. Representatives of various groups, of all nationalities of the Soviet Union became victims of the repressions. The memory of national tragedies is as sacred as the memory of the Great Victory.
“Unfortunately, it is still possible to hear that these victims were justified by some supreme State purposes. But no development of the country, no success can be achieved at the cost of human misery and loss. Nothing can be put above the value of a human life. And there is no justification for repressions.
It is extremely important that young people in our countries be able to empathize emotionally with one of the greatest tragedies in history, the millions of people who became victims of terror and false accusations during political “purges” in different years.
It is important not to allow the justification of those who destroyed their people under the pretext of restoring historical justice.
We mustn’t justify the organizers of political repressions, and, possessing a conscience, nobility, civil and political responsibility, give a political and legal assessment of their crimes. And this is also the education of patriotism - the highest level of responsibility for your country.
Every nation should have a reverent attitude to history, to its own roots, to traditions and customs that are passed on from generation to generation. As grateful descendants, we should take all the best that was in our grandfathers and great-grandfathers that emerged hundreds and thousands of years ago”.
“I wish the International Online Conference “Kazakhstan: Historical Memory Policy” and the International project of the Assembly of peoples of Kazakhstan “Memory for the Future” an unbiased clear approach to facts, scientific attitude to history, sobriety of thought and clarity of action. Good productive work, colleagues!
May all your aspirations and efforts continue to be successfully implemented in good and useful deeds for the benefit of peace and prosperity of the peoples!
Happiness, prosperity, and a peaceful sky over our heads! New achievements and further prosperity to the Assembly of the people of Kazakhstan and all the people of Kazakhstan!”, – summed up the speech Svetlana Smirnova.
