Poland's president has said that 75 years after the outbreak of the Second World War, Germany and Poland should support those who struggle for democracy, civil rights and freedom in Ukraine, Russia and elsewhere.



Bronislaw Komorowski told the German parliament Wednesday - during a special session to mark the 75th anniversary of WWII - that the German/Polish partnership of responsibility had never been as significant as today.



"When we believe in the universal character of our common values then we should also show determination to defend these values," he said.



He underlined that present developments in Iraq, Syria, Libya, Ukraine and Russia threaten freedoms.



"Among them one thing is in common - they [the aggressors] despise human rights, rule of law and civil liberties," he stressed, pinpointing Russia for its policy towards Ukraine, and urging European countries to increase their pressure on the Kremlin.



"The Russian leadership seems to have decided on a new geopolitical orientation and identity which focuses not on modernization and cooperation with the West but on the old practices of exerting dominance and building influence zones," he warned.



He underlined that Poland and Germany had had a difficult relationship, but through reconciliation new generations have transformed it into close friendship and cooperation.



"I am convinced that only together we can build the democratic and peaceful future of Europe. And we can only defend it together, he said.



"We need a German-Polish partnership of responsibility for our common future of Europe."



www.aa.com.tr/en - Berlin