Tiraspol, 29 July. /Novosti Pridnestrovya/. Celebrations in Bendery, dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the joint peacekeeping operation in the Security Zone, began with a flower-laying ceremony at the monument Blessed Are Peacemakers. Flowers and wreaths were also laid to the granite plates of the Memorial of Remembrance and Sorrow and to the monument to Lieutenant General Lebed by top officials, Russian MPs, employees of the Russian embassy to Moldova, peacekeepers and city residents.
The Joint Staff of the Joint Peacekeeping Forces opened its doors to all visitors on that remarkable day.
As the Russian ambassador to Moldova, Farit Mukhametshi noted during the holiday rally, the peacekeeping operation had proved its efficiency in 25 years.
«I'd like to say the words of gratitude to our peacekeepers and all the servicemen of the Joint Peacekeeping Forces defending peace and order on the banks of the Dniester. Their courage and fortitude, as well as tolerance and diplomacy, faithfulness to the principles of a peaceful settlement are a good guarantee of the efficiency of the unique peacekeeping operation in Pridnestrovie. We are confident that the peacekeepers will continue to carry out the tasks entrusted to them in maintaining peace and stability in the region," said the diplomat.
According to him, Russia is concerned about the latest attacks by the Moldovan leadership against the peacekeeping operation.
On 21 July 2017, the Moldovan parliament adopted a declaration on the withdrawal of Russian troops from the conflict zone. On the eve of the anniversary date, Russian politicians and pop singers had been refused entry to Moldova, and the visit of Russia's vice premier Dmitry Rogozin, representative of the Russian president on Pridnestrovie, was also disrupted.
«We consider plans and actions by the Moldovan authorities to cease Russia's peacekeeping mission in Pridnestrovie unfounded and inadmissible. This is the way to unleash a new conflict on the Dniester banks, which get Russia into a new hotbed of tension. I am sure the Russian peacekeeper will fulfil their duties," said the ambassador, adding that Russia had helped and would help Pridnestrovie and protect the interests of its citizens.
Pridnestrovian President Vadim Krasnoselskynoted that the holiday was taking place in a difficult situation — «amid pressure on Pridnestrovie and the peacekeeping operation.»
«Unfortunately, Moldova has not recovered from revanchism in 25 years and wishes to finish what was begun in 1992, what was prevented by the peacekeepers. It is very dangerous with unpredictable consequences," said the president.
The head of state thanked the Russian leadership for maintaining peace in Pridnestrovie.
At the end of the rally, after distinguished peacemakers were awarded, there was a military parade of JPF servicemen.
Visitors were also to see the exemplary performances of peacekeepers who demonstrated their skills in handling weapons and hand-to-hand fighting and visit a banner exhibition featuring dedicated to 23-year-old events.
The celebrations culminated with a holiday concert.
