When I said in Italy two months before the Russian aggression against Ukraine that Russia could not be trusted, everyone said that I was hysterical, that Poland was hysterical, the Polish Ambassador to Rome, Anna Maria Anders, emphasized in an interview with PAP. She pointed out that she now talks a lot to the Italians about Russia and how her father, General Władysław Anders, thought about this country.
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When I was a teenager, although he was reluctant to talk about the war, my father spoke a lot about Russia. He was imprisoned in Lubyanka for 22 months, he spoke excellent Russian and I kept hearing from him that the shadow of Russia had fallen over the world, he was talking about Yalta, about not being able to trust Russia
she said. She admitted that she is often asked what General Anders would say about Russia and the current situation. And the answer would always be the same: Russia should not be trusted.
Maria Anders pointed out that the Russian invasion of Ukraine “shakes up not only Italy, but the whole world”.
People have also become aware of what happened in 1939 and there is clearly more interest in history
she pointed out.
In Italy, knowledge about the fighting of the 2nd Polish Corps during World War II is constantly growing, and many cities and towns organize ceremonies commemorating the contribution of Polish soldiers to the liberation of this country
– she said.
I am happy and honored to have been invited to various parties in Italy so often. All these towns and villages themselves organize such celebrations in memory of Polish soldiers
– stated the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland.
“I can say that with my presence I support and spread the knowledge about the 2nd Corps.”
Wherever I go, whether it is a minister or a politician, everyone always mentions General Anders, and I am very happy about that. (…) I can say that with my presence I support and spread knowledge about the 2nd Corps
she added.
The ambassador recalled the opening in October of the exhibition “Mom, I don’t want war” at the European Library in Rome, which consists of post-war drawings by Polish children, as well as those currently being made by little Ukrainians. She expressed her conviction that thanks to various initiatives, the knowledge of Polish history in Italy is now much greater.
The Polish Ambassador to Italy summarized the end of the year, noting that it was marked by her many travels.
These included numerous tours of Italy, as well as visits to Poland and Uzbekistan; they were related to the project of the Institute of National Remembrance – Trails of Hope. Odyssey of freedom
Anna Maria Anders explained. In this way she remembered the initiative launched in connection with the 80th anniversary of the beginning of the march of the army of General Władysław Anders, evacuated from the USSR. This project aims to commemorate the efforts of the Polish Armed Forces during World War II and the fate of the civilian population evacuated with General Anders’ army.
In addition, it is the year of three generals: Stanisław Maczek, Stanisław Sosabowski and Władysław Anders. All this meant that there were a lot of these trips
emphasized the ambassador.
At the same time, she noted that “unfortunately it must be admitted that the Italians have a certain weakness for Russia to some extent”.
For example, I received an invitation to an Italian-Russian ball here on January 14 this year. For me it was a shock. As much as I love balls, if I went it would be the end of my career
Ambassador Anders confessed.
When asked about next year’s plans, she announced the traditional anniversary celebrations in Monte Cassino, Loreto, Ancona and Bologna.
She also expressed hope that Italian President Sergio Mattarelli will visit Poland in the spring.
I also hope that it will be possible to organize Polish-Italian government consultations. They are gone, long gone. There is a new government in Italy and I hope they will get there
said the Polish ambassador.
tkwl/PAP
Source: wPolityce