"It is very pleasant to stay in hospitable Georgia, be present at the opening of the exhibition devoted to the 60th anniversary of the victory and to see representatives of the war veterans and the public," Mr. Lavrov said.
"This is our common holiday and our common victory over the evil of the 19th century, over fascism," he underscored.
Mr. Lavrov reminded the audience that by the decision of the United Nations, May 8-9, 2005 will be marked as days of memory and conciliation. "I hope that Russia, Georgia and other UN member countries will make their contributions to the events in New York and in other cities," the Russian Foreign Minister said.
He also said that a big summit will take place in Moscow on May 9 to which dozens of the heads of the states had been invited, and also of course the heads of the CIS countries, including Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili.
The victory over fascism is a result of the common contribution of all the peoples of our country, Mr. Lavrov noted. Georgia sent to the front about 700,000 its sons and daughters, 250,000 of whom were awarded orders and medals, and 164 of them were conferred upon the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, Mr. Lavrov said.
"We need to bow to the veterans," the minister underscored.
