On the date of the local time, during his visit to Greece, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, while attending a memorial event for the victims of World War II on the island of Crete, apologized to Greece for the atrocities committed by the German military in the area during World War II.

German President Steinmeier: I ask for your forgiveness on behalf of Germany. I ask you, survivors and descendants, to forgive the grave crimes committed by Germans here.

In his speech, Steinmeier expressed that the brutality, savagery, and contempt for life exhibited by the German occupiers still shock him to this day. Therefore, it is imperative to remember history to ensure that it does not repeat itself.

During World War II, in retaliation for the resistance of the local Greek residents against the Nazi German forces, the German army attacked the village of Kandanos on the island of Crete in the month and year, resulting in the killing of the villagers and the complete destruction of the buildings.

According to Greek media reports, Greece once again called on Germany to compensate for the damages caused during World War II on a certain date, but was met with refusal.