Azerbaijani War Veterans Warn Germany Not to Turn a "Blind Eye" to Rising Nationalism

BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

The Azerbaijani Veterans Union has warned Berlin not to allow "inaction and silent consent" to usher in a new era of nationalism in Germany where Muslims increasingly bear the brunt of racist violence, according to the appeal which was adopted this week.

The Presidium of the Council of the Azerbaijani Veterans Union also called for an official apology from Germany for the "consequences of World War II" and compensation for the dwindling ranks of Azerbaijani veterans.

A special concern of the meeting was the recent resurgence of nationalism, which is being exacerbated by Europe's economic woes and has become a challenge that nations such as Germany must not ignore.

"Today, with great concern, we witness the rise of nationalism and often hear about attacks on and murders of aliens, especially Muslims, in Germany," a statement from the Presidium said.

"We are better aware than today's generation of the danger of the policy of turning a blind eye on nationalism. Inaction and silent consent of German authorities in this matter may lead to new tragedies."

The forum also noted the role played at home by President Ilham Aliyev in sustaining financial support not just for veterans of World War II, but to their widows as well.

"We are grateful to our people and to our State for their care and support, and for their thoughtful attitude towards the memory of heroes and victims of the war," the Presidium said.

An estimated 300,000 service personnel from Azerbaijan perished on the battlefields of World War II, from Crimea all the way to Berlin. After the defeat of Nazism 128 Azerbaijanis were awarded the highest possible honour, the title of "Hero of the Soviet Union".