German President Apologizes to the Polish People

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has apologized to the Polish people for the crimes committed by the Nazis during World War II, just ahead of the 80th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising, which is observed on August 1.

"I apologize today and here," Steinmeier said at a commemorative event in the central square of the Polish capital, attended by hundreds, including Polish President Andrzej Duda, addressing the remaining members of the uprising.

"We must not forget and will not forget what immense suffering we, the Germans, brought to our neighboring country, what cruelty and desire for destruction the German occupiers exercised against the entire population," Steinmeier emphasized.

He added that Nazi imperialism and racism led to "terrible crimes" against which the insurgents rose up. The German president highlighted that lessons must be drawn from the past for the future.

"The Warsaw Uprising was one of the most brutal chapters in the history of relations between our two countries and became one of the most heroic chapters in Poland's history," Steinmeier stated. The head of the German state described it as "almost a miracle" that Poles and Germans have become good neighbors. The path to this point has been long, Steinmeier admitted, noting that now Berlin and Warsaw are committed to "acting in favor of solidarity and peace."