WW2 liberation of Belgrade marked in ceremonies

WW2 liberation of Belgrade marked in ceremonies

Serbian Interior Minister Nebojša Stefanovic, who addressed the audience on behalf of the Serbian government, underscored that the government does not forget the legacy of anti-fascism and celebrates all the victories with pride.

“Serbs have always been on the right side, always against hatred, evil and slavery. The fights for the liberation of Belgrade from October 14-20, 1944, were possibly the most severe battles of the war in our capital's memory,” Stefanović said, adding that the victory secured by our and Soviet heroes is a historic accomplishment that must not slip into oblivion.

Serbia's anti-fascist past is also its anti-fascist present and the future the Serbian people will bequeath to their children, he stated.

"We fight today as well, although the battles are somewhat different, as they are meant to strengthen the struggling economy, get rid of corrupt criminals and improve our international position," Stefanović pointed out.

The goal is the same, a strong and free Serbia, he noted.

The battle for Belgrade is nowadays fought by building the city, developing it and making it a better place to live in, Mali remarked, stressing that the Serbian capital would soon become the biggest construction site in Southeastern Europe.

"Seldom in its history was Belgrade as peaceful and free as it is today, so the present authorities have an obligation to use this peaceful time for Belgrade's development," he noted.

The state ceremony on the anniversary of the liberation, October 20, will be held at the Cemetery of the Liberators of Belgrade and at the Monument to the Soviet Pilots on Mt. Avala. It will be led by Labor Minister Aleksandar Vulin. On October 16, Serbia organized a military parade to mark the anniversary.