Frauenkirche is a symbol of reconciliation, Queen Elizabeth says

Oct 30, 2005, 12:57 GMT

London - Queen Elizabeth II said Sunday that the rebuilding of Dresden's landmark Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) was a 'powerful symbol of reconciliation' between Germany and Britain.

In a message to German President Horst Koehler on the day the church was re-consecrated, the British monarch expressed her 'great personal pleasure and satisfaction at the completion of this remarkable project'.

She also noted that British citizens and craftsmen had contributed to the reconstruction of the 18th-Century Frauenkirche which had been destroyed by Allied bombing raids on Dresden in February 1945.

'Many British people and organisations have contributed to and supported the reconstruction. It has further strengthened the ties of friendship and understanding that have grown up between our two countries,' Queen Elizabeth said.

'Please pass on my very best wishes to the people of Germany and in particular to the citizens of Dresden on the occasion of the re- consecration. It is a tribute to their commitment and endeavour that the Frauenkirche has become such a powerful symbol of reconciliation between us,' her message to Koehler said.