German envoy: Germans admit their responsibility for WWII crimes in Greece

"During the German occupation of the 2nd World War terrible crimes were committed in Greece. Especially on Crete, the invaders acted with great cruelty. The same position was expressed by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier during his last visit to Greece," Barthle said.
Shortly before the start of the 8th DGV on Crete on November 1-3, Barthle noted that the German local government politicians working through the DGV network were aware of Germany's past and that the issue was often raised in personal discussions between local government officials.
"Consequently, the German representatives of local authorities have yet another reason to participate in the cooperation of municipalities and regions, so that something like that does not happen again in Europe," he noted.
At the same time, he pointed out that the DGV was not a forum for high-level policy but cooperation "from the bottom up" that was mostly focused on people's daily lives. Six months after taking over from Hans Joachim Fuchtel, he noted that the DGV has become a model for Europe in its six years of operation.
"Now is the time to shape cooperation between municipalities and regions so that this can survive in the long term and arise autonomously and with success, beyond the DGV's work," he added. He also praised Attica region governor Rena Dourou as "a dynamic ally in our efforts" while he singled out three out of a total 60 separate partnerships set up through the DGV: that between St. Ingbert and the island of Chios on waste management and energy, the professional training of welders on Crete and the collaboration between Kalamata and the Baden-W?rttemberg Architects Chamber to improve the Greek city's centre.
He also pointed to the many other potential areas of cooperation in tourism that might help to extend the tourist season, and said the motto of the 8th DGV will be "from the myth of Europe to Europe in action".