The President of the Republic Borut Pahor sent to the Russian President Vladimir Putin an invitation to participate at the ceremony at the occasion of the hundredth anniversary of the Russian Chapel below Vršič.

The invitation is dated as of today. Pahor in the invitation admits the existence of certain »differences in opinions«, but that fact should only »encourage need for dialogue".
"Dear Mr President, I believe that we leaders of nations and states are called to do our best to contribute to mutual respect and understanding, to strengthen international peace and safety. We have different positions regarding some important issues, which is an additional incentive for a dialogue. Besides cultivating tradition and piety that is another important aspect I attribute to your participation to the memorial ceremony and our meeting," the President of Slovenia wrote in the invitation addressed to his Russian colleague.

He mentioned that this year it is the 100th anniversary of the tragic event when during the WW1 the Russian POW building the road accross the Vršič pass were buried by an avalanche. The Russian Chapel was built at that place of sorrow, and every year "in the middle of summer both Slovenians and Russians gather there to pay respect to the victims of that tragedy ". During decades this became "an annual symbolic act carrying the message on the significance of peace, respect and understanding among nations," Pahor also wrote.

T.H.
Translated by G. K.