An advanced society looks at historical events not just through the lens of its own experience or ethnicity, but also through the lens of universal values, which affords a broader vision on historical memory and contributes to an objective picture of history, stated Ronaldas Račinskas, the head of the International Commission for the Evaluation of the Crimes of the Nazi and Soviet Occupation Regimes in Lithuania.
During a meeting with a group of Moldovan journalists visiting Vilnius, Ronaldas Račinskas said the Commission differs from other similar Lithuanian institutions in that it has an international status. The Commission aims to reach consensus on the vision of the crimes perpetrated by the Soviet and Nazi occupation regimes.
In Lituania too, the expert says, historians often have different visions on those times. While not disputing the facts, historians clash over interpretations of history. Even so, discussions eventually lead to consensus. And so history is not only written by the Lithuanian survivors but also through objective analysis. For this to happen, it is key that historians and other experts disassociate themselves from their own experience or ethnic belonging and look at history through the lens of universal values.
Ronaldas Račinskas has noted that Moldova’s modern history resembled Lithuania’s in that they both were part of the same occupation process. He says it’s not easy to explain history in an objective manner to the population given the multitude of personal perceptions, but international efforts exist to facilitate this by promoting tolerance among ethnicities and nations.
Ronaldas Račinskas suggests that a strong history narrative should exist in every country, where people should become a nation united not only by a common territory, but also by a common vision of the nation’s place in history. At the same time, politicians should refrain from exploiting interpretations of history to manipulate people’s minds.
