Brussels, Aug 5 (IANS): The governor of Belgium's Liege province Monday paid tribute to the victims of the First World War (WWI) as part of ceremonies to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the war.
Speaking at the Cointe Inter-Allied Memorial in Liege, Governor Michel Foret asked gathered dignitaries to remember all those who died during the conflict.
The ceremony was attended by over 80 representatives from various countries, including the French and German presidents.
"The war resulted in at least 10 million deaths, 20 million injured people, six million prisoners and over 10 million refugees," said Governor Foret.
"The province of Liege had the dubious distinction of being the scene of the first battles and the first civilian and military casualties.
The acts of resistance, the heroic deeds and courageous actions to which we pay so much respect cannot conceal the very many stigmas that have left an indelible mark on the province's history," he said.
The governor paid tribute to the special place the city has in the history of the war, and said that "in this symbolic place, we are happy that the enemies of the past are the partners of the present and the peacemakers of tomorrow."