German CG commemorates 80th anniversary of liberation
The event was attended by representatives of the allied nations, including the CG of France, British Deputy High Commissioner, Acting CG of the United States, and officials from the German Consulate.
The memorial service honoured the millions of lives lost during World War II and reflected on the significance of the day. CG of the Federal Republic of Germany, Dr Rüdiger Lotz, emphasized the importance of remembering the past and learning from history. 'It is our duty to learn from history. Peace is not something to be taken for granted. It is fragile and must be secured anew every day—through dialogue, through understanding, and through unwavering respect for human dignity.'
CG of the Federal Republic of Germany in Karachi, Dr Rüdiger Lotz, said, 'Especially at a time when conflicts are flaring up again around the world and authoritarian forces are on the rise, it is our duty to take a clear stand for democracy, for the rule of law, for peaceful coexistence in Europe and the world.'
He said 'Germany stands for the responsibility that arises from history, the need to protect democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.'
'Today,' he added, '80 years later, the message of May 8th is more relevant than ever: Then and now, our guiding principle must be: Never again war, never again hatred.'
'Never again must nationalism, intolerance, and contempt for humanity find space in our world. Never again must we allow political delusion and lust for power to triumph over reason and compassion.'
The CG said 'let us stand together to ensure that the words 'Never again war' are not just a vow from the past but a living commitment for the present and the future.'
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
5 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Combating climate chaos: call to action
EDITORIAL: Speaking at the opening of an aid conference in Seville city of Spain on Monday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres noted that a two-thirds of the UN's sustainable development goals set for 2030 are off track, and over US$ 4 trillion in annual investment is needed to combat climate chaos and support the world's most vulnerable populations. His message basically highlights the fact that climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is already upon us and accelerating. From record-breaking heatwaves in Europe and North America to cycles of deadly floods and droughts in South Asia and Africa, climate-related disasters are exacting a rising toll on human lives, economies, and ecological systems. A key issue on the agenda in Seville was the urgent need to reform the international financial system to help poorer nations free themselves from mounting debt burdens that inhibit their respective capacity to achieve progress in healthcare, education and climate resilience. As per UN data, the total external debt of the least developed countries has more than tripled over the past 15 years. Many nations in the Global South, like Pakistan, have too small a carbon footprint, yet are most vulnerable to climate disasters brought on by global warming. Already facing the brunt of floods and droughts, they are forced to divert scarce resources away from economic development to debt servicing. The result is perpetuation of underdevelopment, vulnerability, and inequality. No surprise, then, that there is growing criticism from the Global South of the US-dominated global financial system, created in the aftermath of World War II, which they argue no longer reflects realities of today's interconnected world. Greater representation and equity are urgently needed. The UN chief has also highlighted a glaring imbalance: while some nations continue to subsidise fossil fuels, others are left struggling to fund clean energy transitions or recover from climate catastrophes. This is not only unfair; this is dangerously short-sighted. Since we are all in this together the response must reflect that reality. The industrialised wealthiest nations, responsible for the vast majority of historical greenhouse gas emissions, owe a climate debt to developing nations. The Seville conference offers a vital opportunity to reset the climate and development agenda. For far too long, the international financial architecture has served the interests of the rich and powerful nations. What is needed now is major reform of the international finance system, with a focus on increasing access to concessional finance, restructuring unsustainable debt, and introduction of innovative instruments such as climate-resilient debt clauses and green bonds. No less important, institutions like the IMF and the World Bank need to evolve from crisis lenders to proactive enables of sustainable development. The time for decisive, collective action is now. The longer the transition is delayed, the more costly and painful it will become. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
11 hours ago
- Business Recorder
British FM meets Syrian president in Damascus
DAMASCUS: The UK's top diplomat David Lammy met Syria's leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus on Saturday, the Syrian presidency said, in his first visit since longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad was overthrown in December. Interim President Sharaa received Lammy alongside Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, according to photos of the meeting released by the presidency. The talks addressed 'bilateral ties… and ways of strengthening cooperation, as well as regional and international developments', Sharaa's office said in a statement. The Syrian foreign ministry issued a similar statement following a separate meeting between Lammy and Shaibani. Syria has seen a flurry of diplomatic activity since Islamist-led forces ousted Assad in December after more than 13 years of grinding civil war. IMF team makes first Syria visit since 2009 In May, Syrian Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra met with an official British delegation, the defence ministry said at the time. In April, the UK government announced it was lifting sanctions imposed on Syria's interior and defence ministries under Assad. It also said it was lifting sanctions against various media groups and intelligence agencies, as well as on some sectors of the economy including financial services and energy production. A month earlier, it lifted sanctions on 24 entities including Syria's central bank. Syria's new authorities have welcomed the moves, which came as they seek to rebuild the country and reboot its moribund economy, both ravaged by the conflict and crippling sanctions.
Business Recorder
21 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Trump says Ukraine will need Patriot missiles for its defense, chides Putin
WASHINGTON/KYIV: US President Donald Trump said Ukraine would need Patriot missiles for its defenses, after speaking with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday, and voiced frustration over Russian President Vladimir Putin's failure to end the fighting. Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he had a good call with Zelenskiy, repeating that he was 'very unhappy' about his call with Putin a day earlier, given what he called the Russian leader's refusal to work on a ceasefire. Asked whether the United States would agree to supply more Patriot missiles to Ukraine, as requested by Zelenskiy, Trump said: 'They're going to need them for defense… They're going to need something because they're being hit pretty hard.' Trump touted the efficacy of the Patriot missiles, calling the weapon 'pretty amazing.' Asked about the prospects for a ceasefire, Trump said, 'It's a very tough situation… I was very unhappy with my call with President Putin. He wants to go all the way, just keep killing people - it's no good.' Zelenskiy said he had agreed to work on increasing Kyiv's capability to 'defend the sky' as Russian attacks escalate, adding in a message on Telegram that he discussed joint defense production, as well as joint purchases and investments with the U.S. leader. Europe must 'step up' as US halts some arms to Ukraine: EU chief Ukraine has been asking Washington to sell it more Patriot missiles and systems that it sees as key to defending its cities from intensifying Russian air strikes. A decision by Washington to halt some shipments of weapons to Ukraine prompted warnings by Kyiv that the move would weaken its ability to defend against Russia's airstrikes and battlefield advances. Germany said it is in talks on buying Patriot air defense systems to bridge the gap. A source briefed on the Trump-Zelenskiy call told Reuters they were optimistic that supplies of Patriot missiles couldresume after what they called a 'very good' conversation between the presidents. Russia pummels Kyiv Trump said he also spoke with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz about Ukraine's request for Patriot missiles but that nodecision had been made to supply the advanced missiles. U.S. news outlet Axios reported, citing unnamed sources, that the call lasted around 40 minutes and that Trump told Zelenskiy he would check what U.S. weapons due to be sent to Ukraine, if any, had been put on hold. Zelenskiy, in his nightly video address, said he and Trump had agreed to 'arrange a meeting between our teams to strengthen air defenses. Germany considering buying US air defence systems for Ukraine 'We had a very detailed discussion on joint production. We need it, America needs it.' The conversation came a day after Trump said he had a disappointing call with Putin. Russia pummeled Kyiv with the largest drone attack of the war across the capital hours after Trump's conversation with Putin on Thursday. Zelenskiy called the attack 'deliberately massive and cynical.' Kyiv in the past received Patriot batteries and ammunition from the U.S. in the form of aid under then-President Joe Biden. Trump criticized him for sending weapons to Ukraine without getting anything in return, and since taking office has overseen a dramatic shake-up of relations with Kyiv.
