2015 was declared the Year of Veterans of World War II by a Parliament decision. The legislative initiative was put forward by the Communist faction and was adopted by a majority of votes. Within a month, the Government must prepare a national plan of action on this occasion, which will be presented to the legislature, IPN reports.

Presenting the bill, MP Artur Reshetnikov said it is everyone’s duty to honor the veterans who brought peace in Europe and in the world. By an agreement signed within the CIS, Moldova pledged to carry out activities to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the victory over fascism.

According to the initial variant of the Communists’ bill, 2015 was to be declared the Year of Veterans of the Great Patriotic War. The competent commission noted that the given phrase would discriminate against the rest of the veterans who fought in that period. Thus, it was accepted naming this year the Year of Veterans of World War II.

The head of the Democratic faction Marian Lupu said nobody challenges the importance of the victory over fascism, while the adoption of this initiative is a proof of the respect for the people who fought then, not for the politicians of that period.

The Liberals didn’t vote for the bill. The Socialists also refused to support it with the new formulation, saying this way they will honor also the veterans who fought as part of another army than the Soviet one.