for this place: its importance is shared by all former prisoners, both from Poland and from around the world," said Dr. Piotr M. A. Cywiński, the director of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.
‘We have sent the invitations to all former prisoners with whom we remain in contact. But obviously, we will take care of everybody who expresses their willingness to participate. We have prepared accommodation and the entire logistics of such an undertaking. Each of the witnesses of history will be accompanied by one person. If there is somebody who wishes to participate, please contact the organization team,' said Bartosz Bartyzel, Museum Spokesman.
On January 27, the witnesses of history are going to sit in the tent installed over the historical gate of former Auschwitz II-Birkenau camp. Official delegations from several dozen countries from all over the world are going to listen to their words, together with the representatives of international institutions, social organizations, clergymen, the staff of museums and memorial sites devoted to this topic.
King and Queen of the Netherlands, King of Spain, presidents of Germany, Israel, Poland and Switzerland and prime minister of Greece are the first confirmed heads of state delegations who will take part in the commemoration of the 75th anniversary on January 27, 2020.
'This anniversary, this memory, this symbol of the liberation of Auschwitz, shows one of the essential foundations of the post-war life in Europe and the world. That is why I am not surprised that so many decision-makers understand perfectly well that it is difficult to be anywhere else on this particular day. It is clear that on the 75th anniversary, we all want to stand together with Auschwitz Survivors live among us,' said Piotr M. A. Cywiński.
'We are expecting in total several dozen delegations as well as the representatives of international institutions. Many of them will be represented at the highest level, including some that we can already confirm officially. Talks with subsequent embassies are in progress; in some cases, we are waiting for official declarations, so we will be completing the list of confirmations on an ongoing basis,' added Bartosz Bartyzel.
The first confirmed heads of state delegations:
The Netherlands - His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Máxima, Prime Minister Mark Rutte
Spain - HM Philip VI of Spain
Sweden - HRH Crown Princess Victoria, Prime Minister Stefan Löfven, Speaker of the Parliament Andreas Norlén
Finnland – President Sauli Niinistö
Germany – President Frank-Walter Steinmeier
Israel – President Reuven Rivlin
Malta – President George William Vella
Poland – President Andrzej Duda
Switzerland - Presidency of the Swiss Confederation
Greece – Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis
Estonia – Minister of Population Riina Solman
The Polish television (TVP) will be the producer of the official TV broadcasting signal during the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz on 27 January 2020. The free TV signal available in satellite transmissions will be available to TV stations around the world. Streaming of the anniversary events with simultaneous translation into Polish and English will also be available in HD quality at www.auschwitz.org, on YouTube and social media sites of the Auschwitz Memorial.
The media accreditation process for the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz will take place from 6-19 January. Different pools will be created for agency photographers, who will be present in the main tent of the anniversary event, as well as for camera operators and photojournalists who will observe the laying of candles by former prisoners and official delegations at the monument in the former Birkenau camp.
Very positive signals concerning the organization of common viewing of the anniversary have already reached us from some institutions and organizations.