Serbian Assembly Speaker Slavica Djukic-Dejanovic attended the ceremony in Bela Crkva commemorating the 69^th anniversary of the Serbian people’s uprising, organised by the Alliance of Associations of Fighters of the People's Liberation War in Serbia.

In her address, the NARS Speaker said: “On the behalf of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, I express the deepest respect for our people’s casualties in the fight for freedom and salute all the fighters, oldest bearers of the Partisan Commemorative Medals of 1941 here present. Let us all remember Borka Vucic on this day, who had selflessly incorporated herself into Serbia’s prosperity and well-being.

The Nazis coming to power in Germany in 1933 marked a turning point in European history. A regime based on violence and exclusion was established. The wind of war swept through our country as well. Yugoslavia was thrust into the chaos of the world war that had brought destruction, violence and fear to a vast part of Europe.

Along with the countries of the anti-Hitler coalition, the unarmed people resisted the greatest military force in Europe at the time, defiantly and proudly, yearning for freedom and dignified life. Attacked by Nazi Germany, fascist Italy, as well as their allies Hungary and Bulgaria, Serbia faced destruction, hatred and violence.

The Communist Party of Yugoslavia, the only party to stay with the people before the onslaught of darkness, called the people to an armed combat against the fascist occupiers.

The first Uprising broke out here, in Radjevina, 7 July 1941, and soon resounded all over Serbia and Yugoslavia. Serbia’s western territory became the base of merciless and unforgiving fight against the oppressors.

Our anti-fascist fight is an exceptionally honourable civilisational act that was a necessary type of resistance to the enemy, claiming vast sacrifices. These facts cannot be disputed by any ideology or daily political need. These are people who had died for freedom and with the idea of freedom, defending their honour and the dignity of their country. It also reflected a strong effort to build a society of new civilisational values. That is why Serbia today must make its stand clear regarding the anti-fascist fight.

On this day, I wish to stress that the Republic of Serbia does not accept any form of neo-Nazism, neo-fascism, intolerance and hatred of members of other nations and religions.

Today, as we remember our ancestors’ correct decision to commence a fight against fascism, we must be up to the tasks facing our generation. I am sure that we will clearly choose a future for Serbia as a respected state, part of the democratic world based both on our ancestors’ ideals and the rule of law, civil rights and freedoms, and the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter.

This year, as we and the whole world celebrate another historic event – 65^th anniversary of the victory against fascism, we confirm our aspiration for peace, freedom and democracy and again express gratitude and respect for all the fighters who had saved humanity from fascist slavery.

I salute you and urge us to be decisive in our efforts, to demonstrate by personal example how to build a better future for our children, and I congratulate you on the Anti-Fascist Uprising Day and victory over fascism.”