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Slovenian president invites Putin to WWI commemoration

Xinhua, March 15, 2016 Adjust font size:

Slovenian President Borut Pahor has sent out an invitation to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to a commemoration of Russian POWs who died building the Vrsic mountain pass during WWI, His office confirmed on Monday.

The invitation bears Monday's date, the president's office announced, and Pahor said that he and Putin have different views on some issues, however, this only "encourages the need for dialogue".

Pahor tells Putin he believes that heads of nations and states should contribute the best they can to mutual respect and understanding and to solidify international peace and security.

The president adds that a century has passed since the avalanche killed more than 100 Russian POWs. Every year, the fatal event is marked by a ceremony at the Russian Chapel, dedicated to the tragedy.

Through the past decades, the ceremony has turned into "an annual symbolic gesture bearing the message of the importance of peace and respect and understanding among nations", Pahor adds.

If Putin accepts the invitation, this will be his third visit to Slovenia. Endit