Russia gives 1 million USD to Auschwitz site

photo - wikipedia

A statement by the Russian Embassy in Warsaw says that international support for the project is “a common moral duty as it serves the mission of preserving the memory of the huge number of victims of the Nazi camp and of other crimes against humanity”.

The statement also recalls what it describes as “the liberation mission of the Red Army and its allies in the fight against fascism”.

The Foundation, which was established in January 2009, hopes to create a Perpetuity Fund of 120 million euros to ensure the consolidation, restoration and long-term maintenance of the camp site.

Twenty four countries have so far contributed to the fund and 47 million euros have already been transferred to its accounts.

The most sizeable contribution, of 60 million euros, has been offered by Germany.

The United States has contributed 15 million US dollars, Poland – 10 million euros and Austria – 6 million euros.

The site of the Auschwitz camp extends over an area of almost 200 hectares and comprises 155 buildings, most which are badly in need of repair.

The priority task is the conservation of 45 brick barracks at Auschwitz II-Birkenau.

The conservation projects are also to cover the camp’s archives, documents and objects in the museum collection.

Over 1.1 million people, mostly European Jews, perished in Auschwitz. (mk)