SNP80: KDH: Uprising Was Massive Joining of Forces Against Unfreedom

Bratislava, August 29 (TASR) - The Slovak National Uprising (SNP) was a historic move of extraordinary significance in the fight against totalitarian regimes and the defence of freedom and democracy, opposition KDH claimed in its statement on Thursday to mark the 80th anniversary of the SNP. "It's importance has grown beyond the boundaries of Slovakia's borders and serves as an example of courage, solidarity and sacrifice, with a view towards the protection of human rights and independence even today. KDH holds the heroism of the SNP guerilla fighters in great respect and values the event for its impact in the shaping of Slovakia's statehood and national awareness," stated KDH spokesperson Lenka Kovar. The willingness to self-sacrifice and join forces for the protection of basic rights, freedoms and state sovereignty is a legacy to guide us even in the contemporary international situation. "This should be the legacy for us to convey jointly to all corners of the world - and particularly in the direction of the east today," emphasised KDH. With respect to the SNP anniversary, KDH warns of attempts to distort and twist history. "We'd like to underline that the SNP was misused after WW2 particularly by the communist regime for propagandist purposes. That's why we reject having the SNP claimed today only by one side and the history interpreted in a purpose-built fashion in the same way as it happened under the previous regime," added KDH. In KDH's view, the uprising was an enormous joining of forces against unfreedom and it were the communists who subsequently lied that only the Soviet Union had supported the SNP and only members of the communist party fought in it. "In reality, a great number of democratic forces, Christians and priests took part in and actively shaped the uprising, with support from the Western countries as well," claimed KDH. mf/mcs