Slovak official warns of extremism, nationalism on Victory Day

A commemorative event dedicated to fallen World War II(WWII) soldiers was held at Slavin memorial here on Monday to mark the 71st anniversary of Victory Day.

In a speech delivered at the event, Slovak Vice-premier for Investments Peter Pellegrini warned of extremism, chauvinism and nationalism.

"The duty to stand vigilant against this threat is all the more urgent today," said Pellegrini.

"Spreading hatred against other people based on race or nationality and the marginalisation or even apologising for the war atrocities have made their way in recent years from the fringes of society into the programmes of political parties and even into parliament itself," said Pellegrini.

The event was attended by Prime Minister Robert Fico, who is recovering from a heart surgery. Parliamentary Vice-chairman Bela Bugar, several cabinet members, ambassadors, representatives of regional and local authorities, and members of the Slovak Association of Anti-fascist Fighters were also present.

Slavin Memorial in Bratislava was built to commemorate more than 6,700 Russian soldiers who died in the battle against occupying German Wehrmacht while liberating Bratislava in April, 1945.