A meeting of the expert group on the coordination of the draft Statement by the Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States on Preserving Historical Memory, prepared by the Russian Federation, was held online on August 6.
The meeting was attended by representatives of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and the CIS Executive Committee.
The draft Statement notes that a careful attitude towards the historical past and a profound understanding of it serve as a solid foundation for national harmony, strengthening intercultural dialogue, building relations based on trust, and fostering solidarity among and within countries. It also states that preserving historical memory is an effective means of countering all forms of discrimination, racism, xenophobia and intolerance.
The document calls on the international community to join efforts to preserve historical memory and historical truth, strengthen peace, mutual respect and trust among peoples, and pass on to future generations the experience of peaceful and constructive cooperation in accordance with universally recognized norms of international law. It also calls for consistent adherence to the principle that the glorification of nazism, fascism, and other destructive ideologies is unacceptable.
The draft Statement also notes that the CIS member states seek to expand cooperation in historical education based on the principles of open, honest, professional, and depoliticized dialogue.
The experts discussed the draft Statement and, taking into account the comments and proposals put forward, agreed to continue working on and coordinating the document.