OSCE passes resolution to equate Soviet and Nazi roles in World War II

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe has passed a resolution equating the roles of Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union in starting World War II, AP reports.

The resolution calls for making Aug. 23 a day of remembrance for victims of Stalinism and Nazism. On that day in 1939, the two totalitarian states signed a pact carving up Eastern Europe between them.

The OSCE resolution passed Friday despite criticism from Russia. Moscow has accused Western countries of trying to falsify history and understating the sacrifices made by the Soviets in defeating the Nazis.

The resolution could complicate efforts between the West and Russia to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the start of WWII this year.

The document itself was not available on the OSCE website, but according to Russian news agencies, one of its demands was to stop glorifying the Soviet past and get rid of structures that whitewash history.