Second meeting of Ukrainian-Polish working group on historical issues scheduled for Jan – statement
The second meeting of the Working Group on historical issues in Polish-Ukrainian relations is scheduled for the end of January 2025 in Lviv. The parties are currently conducting a dialogue, clarifying the lists and burial sites of victims of wars and repressions.
This follows from a joint statement by the Ministers of Culture of Ukraine and Poland, posted on the website of the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine on Wednesday.
"The beginning of the work of the Working Group on historical issues, created by the Ministries of Culture of both countries, which aims to resolve issues in Polish-Ukrainian relations related to the right to a dignified burial of victims of wars and repressions, is a success of the dialogue, which has so far been based on openness," according to the statement.
It is noted that the first meeting of the Working Group took place in Lviv in December 2024. "The parties exchanged information on the places that, in the opinion of each of the parties, require priority search and exhumation work, as well as additional attention. Thus, it was important for us to respond to the expectations of the public, in particular the relatives of persons who were victims of wars and repressions. The range of issues that were the subject of discussion covered various historical periods and locations in both countries," according to the statement.
According to the document, the parties are currently analyzing the compiled list, as well as checking the status of previously submitted applications for search work and the provision of exhumation permits. A review of current legal norms is also underway with a view to their possible revision, which could facilitate administrative procedures.
"The Ukrainian side has already made the first positive decision on granting permission for exhumation work. The Polish side is also considering Ukrainian proposals," the statement states.
It is reported that the second meeting of the Working Group is scheduled for the end of January 2025 in Lviv. "We are convinced that the further work of the group and its results will demonstrate the readiness of both parties to honor the memory of the murdered and the dead – Poles in Ukraine and Ukrainians in Poland. This work will be carried out in the spirit of mutual respect, openness to dialogue and other values common to both peoples," the applicants said.
It is also reported that individuals, organizations, institutions and institutes involved in these processes are regularly informed about the status of the implementation of individual stages of work agreed upon by the Working Group on historical issues. "Communication with the public will concern the results of the work carried out and their completed stages," the statement reads.