Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko has participated in a special project by Ukraina TV Channel dedicated to Victory Day entitled "The Great Patriotic War - Lessons for Ukraine," UKRINFORM reported, citing the presidential press service.
The head of state expressed his view on retaining memories of the war, conducting historical researches that would tell the truth about events of those times and help refrain from ideological interpretations.
"The question of false and true historical researches is very topical," Yushchenko said, adding that the history of that period "was studied in a certain context."
The president called for seeking mutual reconciliation between veterans of the Great Patriotic War and former soldiers of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army.
"We should walk this path with mutual respect," Yushchenko said, adding that he will do his best to achieve this goal.
The president said he was a supporter of erecting common monuments, similar to the National Pantheon of Glory, as a sign of respect to military achievements of those people. Yushchenko said that those soldiers, who defended their motherland and had their ideals of Ukraine, were undoubtedly national heroes.
During the program, the president answered questions of veterans, students, historians and public figures.
The channel will broadcast the program at 2130 on May 8, 2008.
Following the program, the head of state congratulated all of the veterans participating in the discussion on Victory Day and gave them presents.
Announcement of events
