They are paying tribute to the millions of soldiers and civilians who perished.

We would like to pay a just tribute to these distinguished public figures, who gave their all to their respective countries.

We recall with reverence the visit of the late Holy Father to Sri Lanka in 1995.

We pay humble tribute to all victims of the National Socialist regime of terror and we bow our heads in deep mourning.

Acknowledging the importance of fulfilling their obligations to promote universal respect for and observance and protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms as well as the importance of respect for and understanding of cultural and religious diversity .

On that note, and on behalf of the Jewish people, let me pay special tribute to the Russian soldiers who, along with soldiers from other States, liberated the Nazi concentration camps.