Blessed are the Peacemakers

Solemn meeting devoted to the 23rd anniversary of the Russian peacekeeping forces entry into Pridnestrovie was held in Bendery. It started with the national anthem near erected last year memorable sign "Blessed are the Peacemakers" at the traffic checkpoint, which in June 1992 were the fiercest fighting of the Pridnestrovian guardsmen and Cossacks with the nationalist army of Moldova. The ceremony was attended by Chairman of the Supreme Council Mikhail Burla, Vice-Speaker Efimy Koval, parliamentarians, Prime Minister Tatiana Turanskaya, co-chairman of the JCC from Pridnestrovie Oleg Belyakov, a senior military commander of the Russian peacekeeping contingent, Colonel Valery Blizhensky, members of the Government, heads of ministries and departments, the head of Bendery State Administration Nicholai Gliga, Chairman of the City Council Yuri Kara, representatives of public organizations, citizens.

In speeches of the Prime Minister, co-chairman of the Joint Control Commission from Pridnestrovie were the words of immense gratitude to Russian soldiers- paratroopers who brought piece at the bank of the Dniester from heaven. They cherish it during 23 years. The peacekeeping operation in Pridnestrovie is considered by international experts as the most effective and successful, conducted under the auspices of the UN - there was been any armed conflict during these years. In addition, it is also unique because, along with the Russian military, it is attended by people in uniform from conflict sides.

Representatives of the peacekeeping forces of the Russian Federation who had speech at the meeting assured Pridnestrovians that they will continue to keep the peace on this earth, strengthen security, until the parties to the conflict - Moldova and Pridnestrovie - achieve political settlement. It is very important factor to ensure the negotiating process.

In accordance with the presidential decree, a large number of Russian servicemen who perform peacekeeping mission in Pridnestrovie, were awarded the medal "For merits in the peacekeeping operation and the" Member of the peacekeeping operation in Pridnestrovie".

At the end the Participants of the meeting laid flowers at the memorial sign "Blessed are the peacemakers", a monument to the commander of the 14th Russian Army, General-Lieutenant Aleksandr Lebed, and at the Memorial of memory and grief.

Reference. Agreement on the principles of peaceful settlement was signed in Moscow July 21, 1992. In accordance with this document Joint Control Commission was created, established a safety zone, a total length of 225 km, width - from 12 to 20 km. Options for the protection of peace in the region assigned to the Joint peacekeeping forces among the Russian, Moldovan and Pridnestrovian troops. Important elements of peacekeeping operations are also Joint Military Command, and the institution of military observers.