SOPOT (Poland). Sept 1 (Interfax-AVN) - Russia and Poland have reached an agreement to create two joint centers to study the Katyn massacre, said Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
"The creation of Russian-Polish centers and institutions, which will study historical issues, including the Katyn massacre, show that we can achieve mutual understanding, step by step," Tusk said at press conference given jointly with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Tuesday.
Putin and Tusk are currently attending the events marking the anniversary of the beginning of WW II in Poland.
"We have agreed that the group on difficult historical issues will experience less influence from politics," Tusk said.
It is important to work out a common position on the cause of WW II, Tusk said. "only the truth can help achieve greater trust between politicians and our peoples," he said.
At the same time Tusk reiterated that it was not the purpose of his meeting with Putin to immediately start looking for compromise on this issue. "It is beyond the powers of politicians to give single binding definitions," he said.
Tusk said his meeting with Putin addressed Polish-Russian relations and the possible ways to proceed. 'Our relations are now better than ever, but we want more dynamics," he said.
Tusk said it is important to take steps to resolve historical issues that now divide the people of Russia and Poland.
Evaluations of events can be different, but it is not only an issue of Russia and Poland because "in many cases the national memories of WW II differ."
Tusk pointed out the importance of creating a working group on difficult issues and the use of its recommendations. "It is important that [Russian] Prime Minister [Vladimir Putin] agree to create two Russian-Polish institutions on the territories of Russia and Poland, which will decide on Katyn and evaluate other events from Polish-Russian history. I am satisfied with the fact that Prime Minister Putin has accepted our recommendations and wishes," Tusk said.