Preparations for further exhumation work in Ukraine are underway. Ambassador of Ukraine to Poland, Vasily Bodnar, reported that after permissions granted to search in Of a cylinder capacity not exceeding 1000 cm3, Lviv-Zboiski and lately in Voices in Volyn, you may shortly anticipate further approvals – including most likely related Pieniacka Huta. However, the diplomat stressed that further advancement in this substance requires constructive cooperation between the Institutes of National Memory of both countries.
Better communication between institutions needed
Ambassador Bodnar in his interview with the media pointed out that the issue of exhumation of victims of the Volyn crime and another historical tragedies is crucial Permanent communication between Polish and Ukrainian IPN. As he stated, the dialog is now hampered and public comments frequently replace substantive expert discussions.
– Everyone throws their 3 cents into public space alternatively of talking to each other. And without an agreement between key institutions, these things cannot be moved forward," said the Ambassador.
According to his report, despite erstwhile findings, there has not yet been a gathering of the management of both institutions. president of the Ukrainian Institute of National Memory, Alexander Alfiorov, he was late in Poland, but he did not meet with representatives of Polish IPN.
Approvals for exhumations in Puźniki, Lviv and Ugłach
In fresh months Ukraine has issued respective crucial permits for exploration work. These included the erstwhile village Boxes, where in February 1945 Ukrainian nationalists murdered – according to various sources – 50 to 120 Poles. During this year's exhumation, at least 42 victims were found buried in a mass grave in Puźniki in September.
The permits were besides given to crews working in Lviv-Zboiski, where the remains of soldiers of the Polish Army who died in 1939 were sought, and in Head in the erstwhile Volyn Voivodeship. As Bodnar explained, according to the Ukrainian law, the main contractor of specified works must be a company registered in Ukraine, which is why the “Dola” company from Lviv carries out the orders.
Joint activities of associations
The Ambassador stressed that obtaining work permits in Ugła was possible thanks to the commitment Polish-Ukrainian Reconciliation Associationswho applied to the Ukrainian IPN. The authorities welcomed the request and then forwarded the papers to the Polish Ministry of abroad Affairs together with an invitation to further dialogue.
– We have issued an invitation to discuss the method details of the search organisations. These actions are common in nature and require common trust," Bodnar said.
Pieniacka Huta may be another place of work
According to unofficial information, Pieniacka Huta may be another location where they will be carried out exhumation of victims of the Volyn crime. It was there in 1944 that troops of Ukrainian nationalists committed mass crimes on the Polish population. For many families of the victims, it is inactive a symbolic place where all those murdered were never found or commemorated.
If the Ukrainian authorities confirm further consent, it will be an crucial step towards the discovery of historical fact and reconciliation of both nations.
Skepticism on the Polish side
Despite the announcements of further works, representatives of the Polish IPN stay cautious. Deputy Head of the Institute, Karol Polejowski, he pointed out that although any signals appear, 1 cannot yet talk of a breakthrough. In his opinion, real advancement will only take place if the search and exhumation process is regulated in a system.
– The breakthrough would depend on something else – a permanent regulation of the principles of searching and commemoration of victims of crimes committed by Ukrainian nationalists – said Polajowski.
A Common Memory and a hard History
Despite tensions, both parties declare their willingness to cooperate. Both Polish and Ukrainian authorities stress that discovering historical fact is essential to build common trust. Last November abroad ministers – Radosław Sikorski and Andrij Sybiha – jointly encouraged state institutions to carry out search and exhumation work.
Exhumations of victims of the Volyn crime and another historical tragedies are inactive an emotional subject, but besides a hope of reconciliation. Further permissions from Ukraine – including possible work in Pieniacka Huta – show that the process is moving slow forward. However, good will remains a prerequisite for further advancement and Polish-Ukrainian cooperationwithout which even the best intentions will not bring the desired results.
