The solemn event was attended by Pridnestrovian President Yevgeny Shevchuk, Chairman of the Government Tatyana Turanskaya, Members of Parliament, heads of ministries and agencies, the JCC's members, local residents, and the city's leadership
According to the President, the Russian peacekeepers' role in preserving peace and stability in the region is difficult to overestimate.
"Everyone knows the ancient truth - blessed are the peacemakers. The peacekeeping operation has been carried out in the Republic for many years, and the peacekeepers' merit of maintaining peace and stability in this region of Europe is evident. Today the role and significance of the peacekeeping operation is even more evident, considering the events in the neighbouring Ukraine. We understand that there is nothing as precious as human life. I want to emphasize the great role of the Russian Federation and the Russian peacekeepers which entered Bendery and stopped bloodshed. All honor and many thanks to the great Russia for preserving peace," underscored the President.
In turn, the head of Pridnestrovie's peacekeeping contingent, Nikolay Nikonov, noted that the Russian peacekeepers have been successfully accomplishing their duties during all these years.
"The Russian troopers were set a task to separate the conflict sides, create a Security Zone, and commence the duties of making and maintaining peace. Among the tasks they had to fulfill was mine clearing, which was especially difficult as there were no minefield plans or maps. The first detachments of the Russian peacekeepers successfully coped with assigned missions, as do their colleagues now," said Nikolay Nikonov.
At the close of the meeting Yevgeny Shevchuk awarded the Russian peacekeepers the highest state honours. The audience laid flowers to the memorial sign Blessed Are the Peacemakers and the monument to Alexander Lebed, erected at the Memorial of Remembrance and Sorrow.
