Merkel marks Netherlands liberation anniversary

The German chancellor on Wednesday marked the 76th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands from Nazi Germany, saying that "nothing can fill the voids left behind by those murdered".

Angela Merkel made the remarks via video at a memorial ceremony, describing the day of liberation on May 5, 1945, as the "long-yearned-for end of the crimes Germany committed during the Nazi time against the people in the Netherlands."

Merkel emphasised Germany's "everlasting responsibility" to remember the dark chapters and and the suffering caused in the country's history.

She also thanked the neighbouring country for reaching out after the World War II, and for the friendship could follow as a result.

The coronavirus pandemic prevented Merkel from traveling to the ceremony in The Hague for the second year running.

Wednesday is a national holiday in the Netherlands, to celebrate the country's liberation.

The Dutch king King Willem-Alexander laid a wreath Tuesday at a monument to the country's war dead at a solemn commemoration ceremony devoid of the usual huge crowds because of lockdown measures.