Coventry’s role as a symbol of reconciliation will be strengthened tomorrow when the city is represented at a commemoration of the anniversary of German unity.

The event is being held at the German embassy in London to mark the tenth anniversary of the former East and West joining together.

The city will be represented by city council leader Cllr Nick Nolan, who will be the guest of the governing Mayor of Berlin, Eberhard Diepgen.

Cllr Nolan, who led the delegation of world cities commemorating the 50th anniversary of the bombing of Dresden when he was the Lord Mayor in 1995, said:

“There can be few more powerful symbols of reconciliation between people and nations than events ten years ago which reunited Germany.

“I am honoured to represent Coventry and its people today as we celebrate unity, freedom and democracy.

”Coventry has strong friendships with Germany, in particular with our twin cities of Kiel and Dresden.

“They were friendships forged in the aftermath of conflict but, just like the German unity were celebrate today they bear testament to the strength and determination that people bring to a quest for peace and reconciliation.”