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70th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany

UNESCO chief to attend Victory Day celebrations in Moscow

According to Irina Bokova, the historic memory must be preserved, and the celebration of the end of World War II is very important

Irina Bokova TASS/EPA/LUCAS DOLEGA

Irina Bokova

© TASS/EPA/LUCAS DOLEGA

PARIS, April 9. /TASS/. UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova said on Thursday she was planning to attend the Moscow celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany.

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"The celebration of the end of World War II is very important. The historic memory must be preserved," Bokova said in an exclusive interview with TASS.

She recalled that in November 2015 UNESCO would celebrate the 70th anniversary of its foundation.

"UNESCO was founded to promote the principles of humanism," Bokova said. "This idea was important 70 years ago and is still vital."

"We see what is going on in the world, the humanity's cultural heritage being easily ruined and religious minorities being persecuted," she said. "The creation of favourable financial and economic conditions does not guarantee the preservation of peace. Humanitarian principles must be promoted."

UNESCO established in November 1945 has 195 member states and nine associate members.

Bokova has been the Director-General of UNESCO since 2009, and reelected for a second term in 2013. She is the first woman to lead the organization. Before that she served as Bulgaria's foreign minister.

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Twenty six heads of state confirm participation in Victory Day celebrations in Moscow

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UNESCO Victory Day World War II 70th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany

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