07.05.2010.

Exhibition “Memory of Victory” opens in House of Serbian Armed Forces

In the Gallery of the Serbian Armed Forces, Russian Ambassador to Belgrade Alexander Konuzin opened today exhibition of photographs from the archives of General Vladimir Zhdanov – “Memory of Victory”.

Defence Minister Dragan Šutanovac, welcoming the liberators of Belgrade and their guests who have arrived from the Russian Federation, and all those present at the opening of the exhibition, said that the Serbian capital today is not to be liberated, but needs to remember the time when the Russians and the Serbs were doing it together.

-

Opening and looking at this exhibition we have the opportunity to see how the relations between Russia and Serbia were woven in the relations of the military of the former Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union, and to see how difficult the liberation from fascism was, not only in Serbia, but throughout the world, to see how much evil these policies caused to the entire humanity – the Minister said.

He pointed out that today, after 65 years, we wish such pictures not to appear ever again, but that they should be displayed to the public, so that young generations have the opportunity to see what was the sacrifice by those who fought against fascism.

Šutanovac said that today's exhibition was only one of the activities that were organized on the occasion of 65th anniversary of the Second World War and that the next day there was also to be an exhibition devoted to memories from the Second World War in the territory of Yugoslavia.

Russian Ambassador Alexander Konuzin reminded of the historical significance of the struggle against fascism in the World War II, adding that the exhibition represents “captured moments of that great struggle fought by the nations of the Soviet Union”. He reminded of the alliance between the Red Army and the National Liberation Army during the liberation of these parts, particularly the Serbian capital.

According to him, the exclusive materials presented in the exhibition are mostly related to General Vladimir Zhdanov, commander of the Fourth Mechanized Corps, whom he called a legendary figure. He recalled the great military career of the hero of the Soviet Union and the National Hero of Yugoslavia, who, besides the liberation of Belgrade excelled in fights around Stalingrad, and in Ukraine.

Ambassador Konuzin said that it was necessary even this day to allude to the historical lessons when considering the current issues of world politics and international relations. Konuzin extended sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Defence of Serbia and associates of the Central Museum of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation for assistance and support in organizing the exhibition.

In a suitable musical programme, Tatjana Ibri? performed the song "Victory Day" and the quartet of the Artistic Ensemble “Stanislav Bini?ki” had their performance.

In the next five days, visitors will have the opportunity to see photographs and posters published for the first time witnessing the struggle for the liberation of Belgrade and the personalities who have contributed to that struggle.