Международная федерация борцов сопротивления (ФИР) действующая организация успешно провела ХVII очередной конгресс в Праге

Опубликовано Редакция - чт, 01/12/2017 - 20:40

NEW S Bulletin of the International Federation of Resistance Fighters (FIR) – Association of Antifascists Magdalenenstr. 19, D - 10365 Berlin, Fon +49 (0)30-55579083-4, Fax +49 (0)30-55579083-9, E-Mail: office@fir.at Internet: www.fir.at

No. 42 December 2016

International Federation of Resistance Fighters (FIR) is a living organization - successful XVII regular Congress in Prague

The XVII Ordinary Congress of the International Federation of Resistance Fighters (FIR) - Confederation of the Antifascists took place in Prague on the weekend 18 - 20 November 2016. More than 50 delegates from almost 20 European countries represented associations of former partisans and resistance fighters, fighters of the anti-Hitler coalition, deportees and persecuted, their family members and antifascists of today‘s generations. Among the delegates were three veterans of the anti-fascist struggle. The Congress was opened on Friday evening by handing over the Michel Vanderborght Prize of the FIR to award winners from nine countries. Among the honored were a Czech constitutional lawyer, the Italian military prosecutor, among others. The Crimean of Sant‘Anna di Stazzema, former Resistance fighters from Greece and the Netherlands, who are still active as witnesses, as well as the Belgian team of the „Train of Thousand“ and the Studienkreis „Deutscher Widerstand 1933 - 1945“ for their history work young people.At the congress, the delegates reviewed the successful work of the past three years, marked by impressive commemorative events and numerous political activities. In several speeches, the upsurge of the extreme right in many European countries and their influence even in the European Parliament was discussed with great concern. In the coming years, the member associations see a major challenge in halting the development of political law in Europe and the individual countries. In the lively discussion, which was attended by almost all associations, a review was made and assessments were made about the current development. The fact that these assessments were quite different is not surprising, as delegates from Russia and Ukraine, Greece and Belgium, Italy and Serbia participated in the debate. It was, however, an impressive sign of antifascist commonality that the political declaration of the Congress, which was adopted by a large majority, clearly raised the issue of the danger of war and the current refugee situation. With all the differences in the estimates, it was clear that anti-fascists were committed to the social and human rights of each individual, regardless of their passport and their origin. There was also great consistency in the struggle against historical revisionism and the falsification of the role of the resistance. In the proposal for the political tasks of the coming years, the activities against the upturn of the extreme right were also mentioned as well as the joint action for the preservation of the memory. These include the work on the exhibition „European Resistance against Nazism“ and the proposal to launch a European conference with various anti-fascist and anti-racist networks against the advance of the extreme right. The elections were marked by great unanimity. The Hungarian President Vilmos Hanti is now supported by three vice-presidents from Greece, Italy and Russia. The conclusion of the congress was a trip to the Lidice memorial, where delegates and guests laid wreaths in memory of the victims of fascist barbarism. On this occasion, the representative of the Lagergemeinschaft Ravensbrück gave an interesting document of the solidarity of the German political prisoners with the women of Lidice. Ulrich Schneider.

Международная федерация борцов сопротивления (ФИР) действующая организация – успешно провела  ХVII очередной конгресс в Праге

В Праге в выходные 18 - 20 ноября 2016 г. прошёл очередной XVII Конгресс Международной федерации борцов сопротивления (ФИР) – Ассоциация антифашистов. Более 50 делегатов из почти 20 европейских стран, представленных ассоциациями бывших партизанами и бойцами сопротивления, борцами антигитлеровской коалиции, депортированными и преследуемыми, членами их семей и антифашистами нынешнего поколения. Среди делегатов были трое ветеранов антифашистской борьбы.

Конгресс был открыт в пятницу вечером  вручением приза ФИР им. Мишеля Вандерборга  для победителей из девяти стран. Среди почетных гостей были чешский Конституционный адвокат, итальянский военный прокурор, в частности, - Крымские Сант'Анна ди Стаццема, бывшие бойцы сопротивления из Греции и Нидерландов, которые все еще активны в качестве свидетелей, а также бельгийской командой „поезд тысяч“ и Studienkreis „как немецкие активисты 1933 - 1945 годов“ за свою историю работы с молодыми людьми. На съезде делегаты рассмотрели итоги успешной работы за последние три года, отмеченные впечатляющими памятными событиями и многочисленными политическими событиями. В нескольких речах отмечался  рост крайне правых тенденций во многих странах Европы и их влияние даже на Европейский парламент обсуждался с большой озабоченностью. В ближайшие годы, члены ассоциации видят серьезную проблему в сдерживании развития политических прав в Европе и отдельных странах.

В оживленной дискуссии, в которой приняли участие практически все объединения, был сделан обзор и оценки текущего развития. Тот факт, что эти оценки были совершенно разные, это не удивительно, так как это были делегаты от России и Украины, Греции и Бельгии, Италии и Сербии,  принявшие участие в дискуссии.

Однако, впечатляющий знак антифашистского единства, что политические декларации Конгресса, который был принят подавляющим большинством голосов, четко поднял вопрос об опасности войны и нынешней ситуации с беженцами. При всех различиях в оценках, очевидно, что антифашисты были привержены социальных и человеческих прав каждого индивида, вне зависимости от их паспорта и их происхождение. Там также был большой согласованности в борьбе против исторического ревизионизма и фальсификации роли сопротивления.

В предложении о политической задачи ближайших лет, мероприятия против роста крайне правых также были упомянуты, а также совместные действия по сохранению памяти. К ним относятся работы на выставке „Европейского сопротивления против нацизма“ и предложения о создании Европейской конференции с различными антифашистскими и антирасистскими сетей, против крайне правых.

Выборы были отмечены высоким единодушием. У президента Вилмоша Ханти (Венгрия) теперь три вице-президента -  из Греции, Италии и России.

В заключение съезда была поездка к мемориалу Лидице, где делегаты и гости возложили венки в память о жертвах фашистского варварства. По этому случаю, представитель Lagergemeinschaft Равенсбрюк привел интересный документ о солидарности немецких политических заключенных с женщинами из Лидице.

Ульрих Шнайдер.


Political Declaration of the XVII regular FIR Congress

  1. Anti-fascism is more relevant than ever!

Even more than 70 years after the historic victory in May 1945 over fascist regimes in Europe anti-fascism is a more recent political idea than ever. The current problems of political, economic and social causes require from all people joint actions – not facing political party boundaries – for a socially just, peaceful and democratic development in all parts of the world.

  1. Stop the resurgence of right-wing populism and neo-fascism

With great concern, that we see the increase of the political influence of extreme right forces, from violent neofascists to right-wing populist groups, in different European countries. These groups engage ostensibly to the serious concerns of the people, but give nationalist and racist responses to the existing problems. Moreover they propagate and practice increasingly violent forms of conflict, such as arson attacks on “foreigners”, hunting refugees and other excesses. The refugee movement caused by war and social need – which only can be answered by practical solidarity of all European countries – is answered by them with a demand for authoritarianism, intolerance and nationalist chauvinism. At the same time they propagate ideals of former fascist movements (Bandera, Horthy, Mussolini, Ustasha and other “models”). This is in contradiction to international declaration, especially the resolution of the United Nations General assembly to the topic preserving memories (7 Dec 2014). The FIR and its member federations as internationalist movement stand together against racism, xenophobia, neo-fascism, nationalism and extreme right-wing populism. We support protests like the demonstration in Riga et.al.

  1. Eliminate the threat of war – for the protection of peace

Fascism and war are two sides of one medal. That is why the political slogan of 1945 was “destroying the Nazism with its roots and creating a new world of peace and freedom”. The International Federation of Resistance Fighters (FIR) - Association of Anti-fascists has as “ambassador of peace” of the United Nations a moral order to work for non-military solutions for the conflicts in the world. We fight in particular the causes of war and warmongers who want to impose their imperial goals, their needs of raw material and geopolitical interests on the backs of peoples. We expect the United Nations to support peaceful means of settling e.g. in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria or in Ukraine. That is how FIR acts as part of the international peace movement. As a new form of threat we can see terrorist attacks. Partly with “religious” reasons, partly with the standard criticism of “Western values” attacks against the civilian population in various European countries are carried out in particular. We condemn such inhuman acts of violence in the strongest terms, but we cannot forget on the other hand, that such forces have been financed and used as “weapons” in the late Cold War. We call the countries concerned by terrorist attacks not to use such brutal acts as a pretext to dismantle democratic rights and to establish authoritarian rules.

  1. Preserving memories – against historical revisionism

The memory of the common anti-fascist struggle of the peoples and military parts of the anti-Hitler coalition is a permanent task of FIR and its member federations. In several European countries, notably the Baltic States, in Poland, in Ukraine and in countries of the former Yugoslavia we see on various political and social levels attempts and tendencies to falsify the antifascist memories. Monuments of the anti-fascist struggle were destroyed or even rededicated. Former collaborators of the SS are recognized as “freedom fighters” and on European level there are attempts to establish a “solemn ceremony against totalitarianism” on 23 August. We oppose those attempts of historical revisionism. On the other hand we are proud that in all these countries also veterans and antifascist groups do their duty for the historical truth and defending such memorial places for the liberation from Nazi-fascism and for the liberators.

The tasks of the FIR and its member federations remains to preserve the historical memory of the resistance of the peoples, to the women and men who sacrificed their lives, who fought in the ranks of the anti-Hitler coalition or for their convictions or have been victims from other reasons of fascist exclusion in the concentration and extermination camps. To pass their experiences on to present and future generations is one of the most important tasks, standing in front of our organizations. We cooperate particularly with memorials at the places of camps, with archives and historical institutions and antifascist initiatives conveyance of history. Outstanding examples of this work are the exhibition “European resistance against Nazism” and the international youth meetings, documenting the impressive forms of conveying history to the young generations.

  1. The unit of the anti-fascist forces consolidate - win new generations!

Since 65 years, the FIR is working as an international umbrella organization of all the different fighters and forces of the Anti-Hitler-Coalition, former persecuted and today’s anti-fascists. Their strength is the commonality that results despite different political party orientations, social visions or religious values. The path of the “torch of FIR” impressively emphasized that community. In our ranks are comrades and friends • they fight to overthrow the exploitative system that generates poverty, fascism and war, • they defend democratic and social rights, • they are based on religious or humanistic ideals connected with the antifascist goals, • they want to preserve the memories of their families. Each way to antifascism is welcomed in FIR. This unit must be developed renew, because the witness’s generation is leaving us. And we call all member federations to open their structure for the today’s generations. In that way we are challenged to share the ideals of the anti-fascist legacy with the post-war generations, who bring their own issues and perspectives in political disputes. For FIR therefore the task is: In connection with the present generations we preserve the legacy of the fighters and persecuted and fight for democracy, humanism, social justice and “a new world of peace and freedom.”

Opening speech of Vilmos Hanti, president of FIR at the XVII. Congress in Prague on 19 November 2016

Our organization, FIR, is already 65 years old. 71 years have passed since our military victory over fascism. To our great regret, very few of the former resistance fighters who have risked their lives with their armed and political heroic struggle against fascism in the Second World War still live among us. Now, when we are witnessing a major/significant shift in value - among others due to the liberal politics that is alienated from people, due to the income and wealth inequalities – we must remember, that the populist ideology of fascism does not provide a solution for the problems that humanity is facing; it rather brings about devastation! Sadly, we seem not to learn from our past. 71 years ago we triumphed over fascism, yet, today the ideology of fascism portrays itself ever stronger and in many different forms! Our future is in danger, along with all those global values that humanity has accumulated throughout the past centuries. I believe that today we have arrived at a turning point in humanity, in civilization. In this extraordinary situation we anti-fascists, the spiritual inheritors of the former resistance fighters have a historical role. We must safeguard and bolster the humanistic, democratic thinking and values in our changing world. We must not allow to give in! The former antifascist resistance fighters were the ones standing on the side of truth. We must not allow for anybody to doubt the historical heroism of the all those collaborating with the antifascist coalition; and for anyone to regard them as terrorists contrary to those who have strived for world domination through mass destruction and elimination of groups of people.

The millions of our intellectual forefathers haven’t sacrificed their lives in WW2 unnecessarily for a more humane and people-centered world, have they?! The success of our further anti-fascist efforts depends on our ability to preserve our spiritual unity in our actions. Can we speak in the same language about the current social problems and world happenings, and so reinvigorate our methods and continue our common ant-fascist struggle with more success? The Congress must move forward in clarifying the following questions:

1. How can we strengthen a more robust and successful stand against the biggest fascist movement of today - against the so called “Islamic State” terrorist group? They are not simply waging a “traditional” war. Terrorism is a psychological warfare, which builds on increasing fear of the civilized society, crippling our peaceful daily lives. They justify their actions with Islam, which is an absolute abomination and lie: it has nothing to do with religion. And with this they cause immense harm among the lives of peace-loving Muslims, provoking in many mistrust and prejudice against Muslims.

2. How do we regard the migrant-refugee problem that will continue to have a significate effect on Europe in the next decade? Do we take them in? How do we receive those arriving with in the hope of a better economic living, who are searching for a better life in Europe after carrying the burden of the past several centuries of exploitation? The other group of migrants are the refugees arriving from war torn areas, who are fleeing to Europe to save their lives. Can we assure unconditional solidarity to our fellow-beings?

3. How can we successfully stand up against the new fascist ambitions? Against those that have practically risen to governmental levels in many countries? Can we stand up with sufficient and adequate efficiency against the falsification of history that has already made its way into the public education systems of some countries? How can we convey and transmit our antifascist values to a broader circle? How can we have influence on public opinion, on country leaders, on the European Parliament, on the democratic parties, civil organisations and churches, on opinion leaders, particularly on the press and journalists? How can we formulate a more explicit and definitive critique on the evolving far-right tendency of the European Parliament and national governments?

4. We must not forget that for all this we must strengthen our own organization. We cannot win against a tank with a wooden sword.

4.1. It is necessary to strengthen and extend the network of FIR: it’s inevitable and imperative to incorporate the younger generations into our works. Some could become possible victims of new fascism. We also have to win them over for our cause. We additionally have to strengthen our social relations and contacts. In order to achieve this, we should find new and more youthful methods. We should make better use of the advancement in information technology, of the fresh methods in communications.

4.2. It’s decisive to expand our cooperation with the media both on the member organization, as well as FIR leadership level in order for us to better convey our message.

4.3. We must search for further resources for our work. Applying the saying of the Italian born general Montecuccoli - for the antifascist war you need three things: money, money, and money.

5. Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to all those who have contributed to the success of FIR in the past three years with their invaluable and dedicated work. Three years ago I said the following: our General Secretary, Dr. Ulrich Schneider carried FIR on his back until the Congress in Sofia. And we can confirm that Ulrich still continues to convey FIR with extraordinary dedication and strength. May I ask for the Congress to applaud and show their appreciation for his immense work! The members of the EC likewise deserve recognition. Sincere thanks go to all the leaders of our member organizations and their efforts. We know that it is with obstacle and difficult conditions that they are able to sustain themselves. All my appreciation go out for their endurance and perseverance. I would like to thank the strenuosity of our cooperative partners, which have contributed to our achievements. Without them FIR would be less. My thanks go out for the work of all member organizations that have collaborated and helped in the journey of the FIR Peace Torch, launched three years ago on the Congress in Sofia.

Michel Vanderborght Award in Prague

The International Federation of Resistance Fighters (FIR) – Antifascist Association handed-over the MichelVanderborght-Award on November 18, 2016 in Prague. The ceremony was the opening of the XVII regular congress of FIR. The ceremony was attended by more than 100 guests, veterans and todays antifascists from about 20 European countries. When in summer 1951 the former resistance fighters, the political prisoners, the fighters in the ranks of the Anti-Hitler-Coalition created in Vienna the FIR, they never expected that 65 years later it is an on-going task to remember the women and men, who sacrificed their life, risked their health, and faced fascist punishment for the freedom of their own country, for their political ideals or for humanism. And until today this task is not a main-stream subject. FIR underlines again and again – these women and men fought not only for their own interests, this fight was the basis for a peaceful and social justice development and solidarity in Europe and the world. These ideas were the political goal of Michel Vanderborght himself. As Belgian partisan and political resistance fighter he took in 2003 as president responsibility for the renewing of FIR until he died. That is why FIR named the price “Michel Vanderborght Award”. FIR honored in 2016 institutions and courage persons with commitment for the antifascist ideas from nine countries: From Belgium Jean Cardoen for the Team “Train des Milles”, an international Youth meeting in Memorial Auschwitz, from Czech Republic Prof. Václav Pavlicek, a highly recommended lawyer and expert for constitutional law, from Germany the “Studienkreis Deutscher Widerstand 1933 – 1945”, which works since 50 years for the preservation of the memories of resistance fighters, from Greece the former veteran Georgi Moraitis, from Hungary the Hungarian Media Groups for its fight for freedom of press, from Israel the director of Memorial Latrum (for Jewish resistance fighters) Zvi Kan-Tor, from Italy the Military Prosecutor Marco de Paolis, who accused the murderers of Sant’ Anna di Stazzema, from Netherland the former veteran Max van den Berg, and from Russia as a posthumous honoring for the 100 anniversary the airman Alexej Petrovich Maresjev, a longtime representative of FIR. At the end of the ceremony Max van den Berg answered in the name of all awarded and underlined – coming from his own political and personal way – the necessity of civil courage and antifascist engagement in the today’s situation.

Dr. Ulrich Schneider

Michel Vanderborght Award 2016

Belgium: Jean Cardoen for the Team “Train des Milles” Successful work for commemoration with the younger generation

Czech Republic: Prof. Václav Pavlicek – expert of constitutional law, member of the Administrative Foundation of Terezin

Germany: Studienkreis Deutscher Widerstand 1933 – 1945 Thomas Altmeyer – Institution of historical research in anti-fascist perspective Creator of an online-portal “European commemoration places”.

Greece: Georgi Moraitis Veteran of PEAEA-DSE

Hungary: Hungarian Media Group Klubrádió-Arató András; Népszava-Németh Péter

Israel: Zvi Kan-Tor Director of the Memorial place Latrum (Israel)

Italy: Marco de Paolis Chief of the Military Prosecutors Office in La Spezia 2002 - 2008.

Netherlands: Max van den Berg, Veteran of Resistance and active for resistance Museum in Amsterdam.

Russia: Alexej Petrovich Maresjev (posthumous) Veteran and former representative of FIR.

Россия: Алексей Петрович Маресьев (посмертно) - ветеран и бывший вице-президент ФИР.

Support the political work of the International Federation of Resistance (FIR) - Association of Antifascist! The political work of international anti-fascist organization requires large resources. Since civil society organizations do not have national or institutional grants, the organization depends on contributions and donations. Bank-account: Postbank Berlin IBAN DE 04 1001 0010 0543 0541 07, Owner: FIR Donations from foreign countries only with IBAN DE 04 1001 0010 0543 0541 07 and SWIFT-BIC: PBNKDEF

Executive Committee                                Исполнительный Комитет

President: Vilmos Hanti (Hungary)                                                    Президент: Вильмош Ханти (Венгрия).

Vice-Presidents: Filippo Guiffrida (Italy)                   Вице-президент: Филиппо Джиуфридда (Италия),

General Michail A. Moissev (Russia)                                     генерал армии Михаил А. Mоисеев (Россия),

Christos Tzintsilonis (Greece)                                                                            Кристос Цинцилонис (Греция).

 

Members of executive committee:                                                     Члены Исполнительного Комитета:

Cardoen Jean (Belgium)                                                                                                 Кардун Жан (Бельгия),

Royanov Nikolay (Russia)                                                                                         Роянов Николай (Россия),

Salimben Alessandro Pollio (Italy)                                          Салимбени Алессандро Поллио (Италия),

Touglidis Gregori (Greece)                                                                                    Туглидис Грегори (Греция).

 

General secretary: Dr. Ulrich Schneider (Germany) Генеральный секретарь: д Шнайдер Ульрих (Германия).

Financial secretary: Heinz Siefritz (Germany) Финансовый секретарь: Зифриц Хайнц (Германия).

Honour presidency:                                                                                Почётный президиум:

Ana Marcos (Spain)                                                                          Ана Маркос (Испания),

Fournier, Jean (France)                                                                   ФурньеЖан (Франция),

Kremer Ilja (Russia)                                                                         Кремер Илья (Россия),

Moraitis Georgi (Greece)                                                              Мораитис Георгий (Греция),

Nagy Janos (Hungary)                                                                    Надь Янош (Венгрия),

Pappenheim, Günter (Vice-president International Buchenwald committee)(Germany)

Паппенгейм Гюнтер (вице-президент международного комитета Бухенвальда)(Германия),

Shub, Baruch (Israel)                                                                      Шуб Барух (Израиль),

Smuraglia, Carlo (Italy)                                                                  Смураглия Carlo (Италия),

Valkanov, Velko (Bulgaia)                                                             Валканов Велко (Болгария),

Vanderborght- Veldemann, Marie-Louise (Belgian).   Вандерборг-Вельдеманн Мари-Луиза (Бельгия).

 

Declarations of the FIR congress

Appeal from the XVII Congress of the International Federation of Resistance Fighters (FIR) - Association of Antifascists to the Chairman and the Members of the European Parliament

We were surprised to learn that the Bulgarian citizens participants at the antifascist struggle in the period 1941– 1944 as guerrilla fighters, political prisoners, KZ-prisoners and helpers are not recognized as veterans of the Second World War. We consider that fact first as violation and desecration of the memory of the thousand Bulgarian antifascists, who have shed their blood and sacrificed their lives in the fight against fascism and second, as disrespect for those Bulgarian antifascists, who are still alive. They are all worthy and deserving people, who after the Second World War participated by their knowledge, strength and energy for the progress of Bulgaria in different fields of public and political life, which was also their contribution for peace, democracy and good international relations in Europe. Is it legally justified today, when Bulgaria is a regular member of the European Union, that several thousand Bulgarians have no official statute of veterans from the Second World War? No, it is not legally justified, it is not just! In what respect are the Bulgarian antifascists different from their comrades, participants at the antifascist resistance movement in the countries of Europe? There is no difference. All of these have fought bravely against Fascism and Nazism. We request most insistently that you as respected parliamentarians and statesmen do your best before the Parliament of the Republic of Bulgaria so that the latter officially recognizes the Bulgarian antifascists as veterans of the Second World War. However, after that date the right- wing- governments of Bulgaria do not recognize the Bulgarian antifascists as veterans from the Second World War as this has been done in all countries of Europe, which have fought against Fascism. Even more. It is a historical fact that two of the leaders of the World Antifascist Coalition – W. Churchill and Th. Roosevelt at a conference in Casablanca in 1943 declare that those who have fought in arms participating at the antifascist resistance movement in the countries from the axis Rome – Berlin – Tokyo shall be considered as participants and winners in the Second World War. By this act you will show not only your respect for the antifascists of Bulgaria, whose number is reducing with the years due to the relentless laws of nature but you will thus provide a solid guarantee to the Bulgarian society that you observe the European values and traditions and that you also contribute to the fight against today’s Neo-Fascism raging over the European continent. Let us stop the fascist pest and keep our countries free of it.

On the German debt to Greece

FIR supports the demand of PEAEA-DSE and of the Greek fellow-fighters to implement the international agreements of Paris and London (1952) stipulating the obligations of Germany as regard the war reparations towards Greece for the destructions provoked by 29 Nazi occupation troops during the years 1941 – 1944.

This is the basis on which we recently supported the claim-conference submitted by PEAEA-DSE to the Commission of References of the European Parliament, as well as the initiative for the solution of the problem of the debts Germany owes to Greece doing justice to the Greek interests. FIR Executive Committee sent letters to the German government and a member of EC participated in an interrogation in Brussels together with the Greek antifascist organization. FIR insists and once more calls the German government and the government of Greece to find a common language in order to discuss this question and to implement the relevant agreements on the German war reparations – the debts of Germany towards Greece. Adopted November 19, 2016

Opening of an impressive exhibition of fotos by Vilmos Hanti from his trip to India on Friday afternoon. The presentation and introdution did Filippo Giuffrida, journalist and member of the leading body of FIR.

Ceremony of commemoration in Memorial Lidice on Sunday

The delegates and guests of the congress commemorated in the Memorial Lidice the victims of the fascist massacre in June 1942. Vilmos Hanti rmembered at this crime and told that he visited first time this memorial as president of the Hungarian Childfriend organization years ago.

Obituaries

Loizos Demetriou, president of Cyprus Veterans

The FIR announced with deep mourning that on October 1st, 2016 our comrade Loizos Demetriou, fighter in the ranks of the Anti-Hitler-Coalition, President of the Cyprus Veterans Association World War II, passed at the age of 95. During the Second World War the late Loizos Demetriou joined voluntarily the Cyprus Regiment. After his initial training, he served as sergeant and later as lieutenant. He served in countries of the Middle East. In his serving he fought alongside the allies of WWII as part of the liberation army. After demobilization he dedicated most of his time to serve for the benefit of his comrades from various positions in the Cyprus Veterans Association WWII where since 2002 he served as the President of the Association, post which he held to date. Loizos Demetriou has been highly recommended and honored by military and social structures for his remembrance work in Cyprus. In an obituary, his political friends wrote: “During his whole life Loizos Demetriou did not choose the easy way and always fought for what he believed.” We express our deepest sympathy for his relatives and all members of the Cyprus Veterans Association World War II.

Letter of condolence Prof Velko Valkanov, member of FIR honor presidency

With deep sorrow we have to take note of the death of prof. Velko Valkanov this week-end. Just after the XVII regular congress of FIR in Prague confirmed him as member of the honor presidency of FIR, he was very excited about, he died at the age of 88 years. Prof. Valkanov was an active historian and journalist, who analyzed and published in several media. As antifascist he advised against right-wing policy and tendencies not only in Bulgaria, but in various parts of Europe. He faced the history and gave answers to the today’s situation and for future tasks. That is how we will remember him. Because of his very active work in the sense of FIR the XVI FIR congress in Sofia 2013 named him first time as member of honor presidency. With his death the Bulgarian antifascist movement lost a highly estimated figure. We will not forget him. We would like to express our condolences also to his family and all relatives.

Letter of condolence Fidel Castro, former president of Cuba

The Executive Committee and the member associations of the International Federation of Resistance Fighters (FIR) - Association of Antifascists have been deeply saddened by the death of the long-standing President and Máximo Líder of Cuba Fidel Castro. The veterans of the antifascist struggle have been following the development of the country and Fidel Castro’s policy with great interest and solidarity since the Cuban Revolution. In many cases, the FIR and its member associations have been engaged against the American blockade policy and later for the release of the “Cuban Five”. Fidel Castro was for us in this debate the representative of the legitimate Cuban, who defended the interests of his own people, but also those of the peoples who fought for anticolonial independence. When he resigned from his position for reasons of age, he remained for us the representative of the struggle for a social, independent and truly democratic Cuba. With his death lose the Cuban people and the democratic world an important partner for peace, national independence, democracy and social progress. We will never forget him

Declaration of International Mauthausen Committee

The International Mauthausen Committee (CIM) wants to express its deep concern about the actual political situation in so many countries. The survivors of the Nazi concentration camps have told us, over and over, what torture, deportation and the lives in the camps mean. We therefore pledge that we will fight all forms of human humiliation, every form of nationalism und we continue to commit ourselves for a living, international solidarity as it has been affirmed by the survivors at their liberation, 71 years ago in the "Mauthausen Oath". We will not accept the xenophobic, racist and intolerant slogans and speeches of the extreme right. We are deeply concerned by the inflammatory speeches of politicians who dispute existing international treaties and who call people to go to war, thus forcing people to flee and into a life beneath human dignity. We strongly denounce all political decisions which reduce especially the social rights of the weakest members of our societies. The International Mauthausen Committee calls upon all ruling parties to refrain from all irresponsible political rhetoric and to actively support women, men and children whose lives have been unsettled by hunger and war. We continue to be faithful to the Mauthausen Oath of May 16th , 1945: "(...) we solemnly swear to never abandon this path. We want to erect the most beautiful monument that one could dedicate to the soldiers who have fallen for the cause of freedom of the international community on a secure basis: a world of free men! We direct ourselves to the entire world, shouting: help us in this work!

The Torch of FIR in Moscow

During the ceremony of 60th anniversary of Russian Veterans Union in September 2016 the torch of FIR have been presented by President Hanti, Vice-president Moiseev and EC-member Royanov.

Факел ФИР в Москве

Во время церемонии празднования 60-летия Российского Союза ветеранов в сентябре 2016 года факел ФИР был представлен президентом Вильмошем Ханти, вице-президентом Михаилом Моисеевым и членом  Исполнительного Комитета Николаем Рояновым.


Imprint :

Responsible: Dr. Ulrich Schneider, (General Secretary)

Secretariat: Internationale Föderation der Widerstandskämpfer - Bund der Antifaschisten (FIR),

Magdalenenstr. 19, D- 10365 Berlin, Fon +49 (0) 30 – 55 57 90 83 - 4, Fax +49 (0) 30 – 55 57 90 83 - 9,

E-Mail: office@fir.at , Internet: www.fir.at

The International Federation of Resistant fighters (FIR) has been designated by the Secretary-General of the United Nations as a "Peace Messenger". The Federation is accepted as NGO at the UNESCO, Paris, at the UN standing committee of disarmament, Geneva and the European council, Strasbourg.

Bank account: Postbank Berlin (BLZ 10010010), Account: 543 054 107, Owner FIR,

IBAN DE 04 1001 0010 0543 0541 07 SWIFT-BIC: PBNKDEFF, Donations are welcome.

Отпечаток:

Ответственный: Д-Р Ульрих Шнайдер (Генеральный Секретарь)

Секретариат: Международная федерация борцов Сопротивления (ФИР) – Ассоциация антифашистов,

Magdalenenstr. 19, Д-10365 Берлин, Т. +49 (0) 30 – 55 57 90 83 - 4, Факс +49 (0) 30 – 55 57 90 83 - 9,

E-Mail: office@fir.at , Интернет: www.fir.at

Международная федерация бойцов Сопротивления (ФИР) была назначена Генеральным секретарем Организации Объединенных Наций как "Посланник мира". Федерации принимается в качестве НПО при ЮНЕСКО в Париже, ООН Комитет по разоружению, Женева, и Совете Европы, Страсбург.

Банковский счет: Постбанк Берлин (БЛЗ 10010010), счета: 543 054 107, владелец ФИР

ИБАН DE 04 1001 0010 0543 0541 07 SWIFT-БИК: PBNKDEFF, пожертвования приветствуются.

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